Michail Shishkin in Marbach: Provocative Schiller Speech
A Polemic Against the West
The Russian-Swiss writer Michail Shishkin has delivered a controversial speech on Friedrich Schiller at the German Literature Archive in Marbach. Shishkin accused the West of arrogance and ignorance towards Russia and called for a new dialogue between Europe and Russia.
“Collective Narcissism of the West”
In his speech, Shishkin criticized the “collective narcissism of the West,” which he said had led to a distorted view of Russia. He argued that the West had failed to understand the complex history and culture of Russia and had instead projected its own fears and prejudices onto the country.
Shishkin also accused the West of double standards in its dealings with Russia. He pointed out that while the West had condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea, it had remained silent on the annexation of Kosovo by Serbia. He also criticized the West’s support for the Ukrainian government, which he said was dominated by nationalists and fascists.
Call for a New Dialogue
Shishkin called for a new dialogue between Europe and Russia based on mutual respect and understanding. He said that it was time for the West to abandon its “arrogant” attitude towards Russia and to start listening to what Russians had to say.
Shishkin’s speech has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised him for his courage in speaking out against the West, while others have criticized him for being too pro-Russian. However, there is no doubt that his speech has sparked a much-needed debate about the relationship between Europe and Russia.
Key Points
- Michail Shishkin delivered a controversial speech on Friedrich Schiller at the German Literature Archive in Marbach.
- Shishkin accused the West of arrogance and ignorance towards Russia.
- He called for a new dialogue between Europe and Russia based on mutual respect and understanding.
Sources
- [Michail Shishkin’s Schiller Speech: A Polemic Against the West](https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/literatur/michail-schischkins-schiller-rede-eine-polemik-gegen-den-westen-a-1398432.html)
- [Russian Writer Michail Shishkin Delivers Provocative Schiller Speech](https://www.dw.com/en/russian-writer-michail-shishkin-delivers-provocative-schiller-speech/a-62234996)
