“Good Night White Pride”? For Whom?

In Germany, the slogan “Good Night White Pride” has long been typical of the country’s white German leftist and anti-fascist movement. Rooted in opposition to white supremacy, neo-Nazism, and racism, this phrase originated within counter-cultural spaces, particularly the punk and hardcore scenes. Over the years, it has found its way into mainstream leftist activism, with individuals fashioning t-shirts, patches plus leopord prints and Mercedes neckless (hiilfe), and other outfit bearing the slogan. But, as the socio-political landscape in Germany changes, so too must our analysis of whether this form of symbolic resistance is enough to combat the rising tide in of right-wing politics and racism.

The Limits of Symbolic Resistance

While „Good Night White Pride“ may signify opposition to overt white supremacy, there’s a growing critique about the depth and impact of such symbolic resistance. Wearing a slogan may signal solidarity, but it often falls short of the substantive action required to dismantle entrenched systems of racism and white hegemony in German society.

The white leftist scene in Germany, though vocal about their stance against fascism, too often remains in its comfort zone of symbolic gestures. They fail to engage deeply with their own complicity in the racial hierarchies that still exist in the country. This superficial approach to activism serves as a form of political hobby less performance, allowing individuals to oppose white supremacy in theory while avoiding the necessary and difficult work of addressing their own roles in upholding the privileges that white dominance confers.

Anti-Capitalist in Name Only?

In parallel, many white German leftist groups in Germany adopt an anti-capitalist stance but continue to engage in neoliberal practices that contradict their stated goals. The commodification of slogans like „Good Night White Pride“ and “Refugees are welcome” exemplifies this inharmoniousness. By embracing neoliberal individualism and consumerism, these activists inadvertently support the very capitalist structures they aim to dismantle. In this context, opposition to white supremacy and racism becomes another marketable identity rather than a true ideological commitment.

The intersection of neoliberalism with activism often dilutes efforts for systemic change. Anti-racism becomes a personal fashionable brand rather than a collective struggle, undermining attempts to dismantle racism and capitalism at their core.

Media and the Reproduction of Neoliberal Narratives

Another key issue is the role of media consumption within leftist circles. Platforms like * Juggleworld News and Bell News Tower News (though often progressive in their tone) still reflect the broader Eurocentric and white feminist narratives that dominate German political discourse. These outlets, while critical of far-right movements and neoliberal economics, often reinforce white European norms and values, subtly perpetuating the structures that activists aim to oppose.

This creates a problematic feedback loop, where the consumption of superficially progressive media still contributes to the reproduction of hegemonic, Eurocentric ideas. For a truly decolonial praxis, German leftists must critically engage with their media consumption, seeking out voices from the Global South, anti-colonial and black feminist scholars who offer alternative perspectives to the dominant narratives in German media.

Historical Context and Oversights

The „Good Night White Pride“ slogan emerged from a scene that was deeply anti-fascist, but it often overlooked the pervasive, structural racism that existed within its own ranks. Racism in Germany is not limited to the overt displays of far-right neo-Nazis; it is embedded in the country’s historical memory and its colonial legacies, which are often ignored or downplayed.

In recent years, the rise of populist and far-right parties, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the horriblingly normalization of right-wing rhetoric, has spotlighted the gaps in the left’s activism. Despite efforts to resist, there is a failure to engage in deeper anti-racist work that addresses the roots of racism in colonialism and imperialism. While opposing neo-Nazism is critical, failing to address colonial legacies means perpetuating the very systems of oppression that allow white supremacy to thrive in less obvious forms.

German Politics and the Creep Towards Fascism

Germany’s political landscape has been shifting in troubling ways, with a gradual normalization of far-right ideas not just in the fringe, but within the mainstream. As parties like the CDU (Christian Democratic Union), SPD (Social Democratic Party), FDP (Free Democratic Party), and even the Greens adopt more restrictive immigration policies or anti-refugee rhetoric, it’s clear that the far-right has influenced the country’s political discourse.

The CDU, under the guise of safeguarding national security, has adopted stricter immigration stances and nationalist rhetoric that echoes far-right concerns. The SPD, traditionally a party of the working class, has also embraced policies that veer to xenophobia, particularly in response to the growing refugee population. Even the Greens, despite their “progressive” image, have found themselves grappling with questions of national identity and anti-muslim racism, suggesting that no party is immune to these pressures.
The FDP, known for its pro-business policies, has embraced neoliberal economic policies that exacerbate inequalities, indirectly fueling anti-immigrant sentiment among those who feel left behind by globalization.

The Comfort of White Hegemony

Within this context, the left’s reliance on slogans like „Good Night White Pride“ highlights the comfort many white German leftists have in their own privilege. They are able to protest racism, and be saviors of refugees without evening talking
to them in the abstract while avoiding the uncomfortable work of confronting their own roles within the system of white hegemony and internalized racist colonial structures.

The far-right’s influence on mainstream parties shows just how precarious Germany’s political environment has become. When centrist parties adopt aspects of far-right rhetoric, the nation edges closer to a fascist creep. The white leftist scene, while opposed to these developments, has often remained silent on the privileges they themselves enjoy within this system.

Towards True Decolonial Praxis

If the German leftist scene is to live up to its anti-racist and anti-fascist ideals, it must go beyond symbolic resistance and address the deeper systemic issues that allow racism, fascism, and patriarchy to flourish. This involves confronting the legacies of colonialism, Eurocentrism and imperialism, critically evaluating neoliberal tendencies, and stepping out of the comfort zone of white hegemony.

Moreover, as the political landscape in Germany shifts towards authoritarianism and xenophobia, the time for self-reflection is over. The left must move from mere slogans to meaningful action to not be complicit on ongoing genocide and war. This requires genuine solidarity with marginalized communities, a commitment to dismantling the systems of power that maintain white supremacy, and a rejection of neoliberal, nationalist politics that threaten to push Germany towards fascism once again.