The escalating controversy surrounding the publication of Gรผnter Grass’ poem “What Must be Said,” whose title carries the nuance in German (,,Was Gesagt werden muss”) like, well, there’s no law against saying it, is I believe important for generating dialogue and discussion, which surely was one of his intentions, but has also become a mirror reflecting an unflattering image of ourselves. The hysteria has moved beyond the character-assassination that can shipwreck reputations of anti-Semitism—either soft or direct and violent (any feelings along this continuum are equally dangerous), to divisive statements and declaring the author persona non-grata. Whatever wind is behind sentiment, such matters can be circumspect and thoughtful but ought not to be resolved by politics and forcing allegiances but rather in the same forums that they originally appeared in.
Grass suggests that Israel represents a threat to peace and regional stability in its stance against Iran and promises of swift and complete retaliation, with both players reluctant to show their cards but Western powers willing to overlook Israel’s transgressions and bad conduct. It was always manifest that Grass was referring to the policies of the government of Israel and not the people—primarily. Sadly, it seems that the maturity to address uncomfortable truths are present neither in Israel nor Germany. Criticism is not always nice or even informed but most of us are expected to suffer it without tormenting diplomacy. I suppose it does not matter how much he tendered or neglected to weigh his words carefully, one can always over-interpret what’s lyric and forge connections that are not there. What is ultimately troublesome, however, is how instantly and vehemently a few verses can pull down judgment that’s reserved but rarely exercised, unleashed on the part of dogmatists and political-ideologues. While there is an unthinking, intuitive connection between Germany and anti-Semitism (that Grass admitted after decades of having been conscripted into the Waffen SS has little bearing, since many other fourteen year olds were likewise deputized with a flashy rank during the last days of the Third Reich and were little more than runners and lackeys for a crumbling order with no authority and no choice in the matter) or between criticism of Israel and unspeakable hatred, few bother to learn about what might be behind all this alarm and panic, and let the former cloud the latter. Maybe public engagement on this sideshow, however a dishonour to real prejudices and institutionalized hate, might make some question their gut-reactions. Likewise, Mr. Grass is no politician, whose gelded words should not invite nuance, yet anything that’s come together with skill and is worthwhile, including the author himself, can disparage vanities and denunciations in hopes that the conversation continues.
