Some additional background: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-44301342
For the past year while living in Europe I became very interested and invested in European politics, especially with the migration issue. After a few days in Budapest, I noticed numerous large political posters of an older gentleman, laughing, with script in Hungarian I couldn’t understand. Who was this guy, and why was the government so concerned about him?
His name is George Soros. He is an extremely influential philanthropist who fled Hungary during World War II. He basically made all of his money on investing, but has shifted his life’s focus to philanthropy. Soros started a foundation called the Open Society Foundations in 1979 that funds democratic movements and promotes tolerance all across the globe. He now lives in the United States.
So, it turns out in Europe many people see him as “dangerous”. Once I could sort of understand what the posters read in Budapest, I learned they were really warnings about “Soros’ plan to allow illegal immigrants into the country”, and how this would “threaten European country’s culture and languages” (Soros supports the welcoming of migrants, although this is hardly a valid issue in Hungary anymore). Scarily enough, a similar political ad put out by the Hungarian government has hints of anti-Semitism as well (it references Soros having the “last laugh”, referencing anti-Semitic propaganda put out by Nazi Germany). These posters were created and distributed by Viktor Orban, Hungary’s current prime minister, whose far right political party was recently re-elected in April. It’s not only Hungarian government, though, that has been scapegoating Soros and calling him the enemy, the source of the country’s ills. Similar sentiments against Soros have been common in Poland, Romania, Croatia, and even America.
Anyway, I just thought Soros and his story relates to ideas we discuss in class, concerning his dual national identity (he is Hungarian-American), and his influence across so many borders. I am baffled from the amount of criticism he receives within central Europe and the globe. How can so many people hate an 87-year-old trying to promote tolerance? I guess it exemplifies the underlying fear present not only in Europe’s political landscape, but in America as well. Maybe he’s a distraction from the real issue of the threats to democracy happening in these countries (including ours). Why are people so afraid? Is it morally right to have money have such a big influence in politics? Can exceptions be made for “good” causes? Should people from other places be able to influence how things are run in other countries, other than the one they are currently living in?
-Acadia
I think that the concept of money itself and its interaction with borders is incredibly fascinating. Thanks to the global market and trade, money has the ability to flow from one nation to the next without resistance. Historically, however, it seems the possession of financial wealth brings about a certain amount of government influence, as mentioned by Aidan regarding present gun policies in the United States. Similar to Rhys, I feel as if Soros’s intent is almost too good to be true; although sad to admit, it would be hard to believe one could be entirely motivated without some intent of personal gain. Regardless, for me that is not the most significant aspect his story. As brought up by Acadia, the use of Soros as a scapegoat draws attention away from the sentiments being expressed by these governments, seeking to isolate migrants within the state and eradicate the flow of minority groups. Unfortunately, although I am certain global acceptance of differences would benefit all, I feel that at this point it would be counterproductive for Samos to interfere in the politics of a nation whose inhabitants are wholly expressing the opposite desire.
George Soros is definitely a far-right boogeyman. I like to keep tabs on the alt-right online, and they love to use him as this specter of globalism (otherwise known as the conspiracy of Jews controlling the world). But honestly that’s not what interests me. What interests me is the level of fear people feel now a days when they encounter something they don’t understand. The fact that Soros can become this representation of the alt-right’s worst fears is fascinating. Europeans and white Americans feel like their culture is under threat, so they create monsters in refugees and well-meaning billionaires. Why? Aren’t they still benefiting from white supremacy?
Soros is a really interesting microcosmic example of the larger trend taking place in Europe and the world. Thanks for bringing his story to the table, Acadia, it is a very important one. Rhys, I loved your bit that “the values that are essential to economic success… incompatible with legitimate philanthropy.” While I don’t know the details of Soros’s fortune, I am also inherently skeptical. However, I often get so frustrated with the influx of money influencing decisions such as gun laws in our country that it is refreshing to have someone balance the weight a little bit — even if I cringe while saying it. A final point: Acadia mentioned that “the welcoming of migrants” is “hardly a valid issue in Hungary anymore.” Any thoughts on that? Hungary is pretty uniquely situated in Eastern Europe to facilitate the flow of immigration from the Middle East, and the refugee crisis coupled with this rise in anti-immigrant sentiment would think that the welcoming of migrants is still a valid issue.
It seemed like everywhere I went during my travels the trend of far right wing leaders gaining popularity was apparent. This was true in Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and Italy. Hearing about Soros and the backlash he is facing helps me to better understand the fear I was witnessing throughout Europe. Two of my dear friends are Swedish-speaking Finns who were keeping an eye on the growing resentment toward their minority group specifically by right wing extremists within Finland. The fear is of the different and working to forget the importance of history is a good way to exponentially grow that fear. As for Soros and his philanthropy, I truly do not know whether allowances for him should be made. However, I am grateful to learn about him and what he is championing because the backlash reveals the mindset of Europe in a poignant way.
I’m fascinated that Soros has not gotten more media attention in the US (I had never heard of him until now). I’m always skeptical of financial influence on politics, so I’m feeling conflicted about Soros, even if it seems like I agree with the economic and political views he finances. I personally tend to assume that the values that are essential to economic success in capitalist competition are inherently self-interested and incompatible with legitimate philanthropy. Perhaps Soros is the exception that proves the rule. Regardless, international financial influence on elections seems to be a big topic these days, so I’m almost worried that I hadn’t heard of Soros until now.