Rote Armee Fraktion

    The RAF, or the “Rote Armee Fraktion,”  described themselves as a communist and anti-imperialist “urban guerilla” group engaged in armed resistance against what they deemed to be a fascist state, (Wikipedia). The RAF was founded in 1970  by Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, Horst Mahler and Ulrike Meinhof.    
    The group existed from 1970 to 1998, they committed numerous operations, the highest concentration being in the autumn of 1977. In 1977 this high concentration of terrorist movements lead to a national crisis known as “German Autumn”. Responsible for thirty-four deaths, as well as many secondary targets; including, chauffeurs and bodyguards.
    The Fraction always called themselves the “Rotte Armee Fraktion,” and the names such as “Baader-Meinhof Gang, “Baader-Meinhof Group” or “Baader-Meinhof, were nicknames for the group.
    The so-called “second generation” of the RAF, existed in the mid to the late 1970s after several former members of the Socialist Patients’ Collective joined, (Wikipedia). Then the “third generation” of the RAF came about, which existed in the 1980s and 1990s.  The original members of the group died while in prison, and attending their court hearings. The second generation of the RAF formed holding the same ideas as the first, but remained an independent group from them. And the third following the second in a similar fashion.
    The RAF was well known for their terrorist tactics. They conducted numerous operations where they would set buildings ablaze, but more so, the members spent time executing members of political standing in what they considered to be the fascist government. In the year of 1977, alone, they killed thirty-four people who were believed to stand against their anti-imperialist ideas. Today, in comparison, the terrorists most known are far more drastic in their operations. The terrorists associated with Muslim culture, use murderous wide-spread attacks to draw attention to them, they feed off of the fear created from these attacks. The RAF, however, targeted their attacks specifically to execute the main powers opposing them. They were organized  and had a specific central goal, unlike violent random attacks of the Muslim terrorists.

My response to the Deutsche Film Baader-Meinhof Complex

In my opinion the movie, Baader-Meinhof Complex, contained many drastic ideas and viewpoints of a generation. The movie captured a political movement that shook the ideas of government in Germany and Europe. I found the movie relevant to today’s political struggles, how the use of terrorism was implemented as a way of showing discourse towards a higher power. The RAF used terrorist methods in their organization. They set department buildings on fire and placed various other bombs around cities in attempt to draw attention to their movement through enticing fear in citizens. This is relatable, at least to me, in the way terrorists are now attempting to draw attention to the Muslim struggle and religious beliefs. Although the Muslims have taken a far more drastic approach than the RAF, the use of terrorism is evident in both workings.
    I found the movies set up to be unusually well made, I enjoyed how the plot flowed through the beginning of the RAF to the creation of new generations which held the beliefs of the original generation in a new context. This showed me how the ideas were so powerful, that they transcended the lines of generations. Providing an outlet for young adults political oppositions. The ideas held by the RAF were so monumental that they continued to inspire young people for generations after the original group of members.
    Overall my impression of the movie was positive. I found it to be well made and moving. It showed me how an idea, one idea, can spread and grow to affect large groups of people in massive ways. The movie helped to broaden my thoughts on what a small group of people can do, how they can change and influence people in drastic ways. I’m very glad I had the opportunity to view this film, to see the people behind such a movement. Although, those who began this political group RAF, perished during the fight, I believe they were triumphant because their ideas lived on.