Authenticity and Victimhood in 20th Century History and Commemorative Culture

The conference will be held in English.


Program Conefrence "Authenticity and Victimhood" (pdf)


The distinction between perpetrators and victims has provided a key framework in understanding the history of the violent twentieth century and in coping with its troubled legacy. Identifying one’s self as a victim or as belonging to a group of victims appears to be one of the most important strategies in gaining recognition – and influence – in the culture of commemoration.
This conference aims to explore the experience and construction of victimhood as well as the related narratives in different national cultures. Is there a global trend towards a post-heroic understanding of history, and what roles do the narratives of victimhood play in that trend? What consequences do the competing interests of different victim groups have for the conception of national history, collective memory, and identity? Following these guiding questions, the conference asks first how societies and social groups have constructed victims’ identities.
Second, we will investigate the ways in which victims balance their experience as individuals with aspects of collective victimhood. The conference will also seek to survey the activities of various victims’ organizations and to explore public discourses regarding commemoration. Finally, we will consider the influence of state politics, legislation, and justice in the process of constructing victims’ identities.

Our main focus will be placed on the history of the 1930s to the 1950s in Europe and Asia as well as the legacies that resulted from that period. More specifically, we will seek to place German and European historical experiences in a broader global context. The conference will be held in English.