Algemeen Handelsblad Possibly 1945

Editor: This is a copy of the "Algemeen Handelsblad" newspaper, possibly from April 26, 1945. It's a collotype print on aged paper, giving it this fragile, historical feel. It's striking how this ordinary object is now a window into such an intense historical moment. What stands out to you when you look at this? Curator: My gaze immediately goes beyond the visual to the social and political context. 1945—think about what that year signifies. This isn’t just aged paper; it’s a fragmented mirror reflecting the end of a cataclysmic war. What stories might it tell us about resistance, propaganda, and the everyday lives of people living through immense upheaval? Editor: It's interesting you see it as propaganda. The articles seem like straightforward news reports, detailing battles and giving updates on supplies. Curator: But consider who controlled the press at that time. Every news item, every reported success or failure, is carefully curated. Look at headlines like "Breslau Holds Stand." It speaks of unwavering strength even as Germany was collapsing. It presents a particular narrative about German resilience, maybe obscuring the desperation and loss. Ask yourself: who benefits from this story? What realities are being silenced? Editor: That makes sense. It’s easy to forget the power dynamics at play. I guess reading between the lines is crucial. Curator: Exactly! Consider also, this newspaper reflects the power and structure of the white patriarchy, which were responsible for wartime crimes and the rise of extremist regimes. So it also speaks about accountability and change that must be sought still today. How do we actively rewrite narratives and invite the margins to take the stage? Editor: It is fascinating how one image can tell so much. This makes me see historical artifacts, like this newspaper, in an entirely different light. Curator: And for me, looking at it alongside you sparks reflections about the role of news in manipulating public opinion then, as well as now.