Latest news with #Faust
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Goethe immortalised the shaming of German women 200 years ago – we're still at it
Every nation has literary classics that shape its cultural identity. Germans have Faust, Goethe's play about the successful but dissatisfied scientist Dr Heinrich Faust, who makes a deal with the devil. Faust has been performed, referenced and read in schools for more than two centuries now. Interestingly, the most tragic character in this tragedy is not the protagonist, but his 'love interest', Gretchen – a teenage girl groomed by the old man, impregnated and socially ostracised. Her solution? She drowns her 'illegitimate' newborn child, accepts her death penalty and rejects Faust's offer to save her from prison. In God's mercy, the Christian girl seeks salvation and off goes Faust with the devil to new adventures in Faust, Part Two. What would Gretchen do today, I wonder. Her fate is not only a result of sexual abuse and an inherently misogynistic morality, but also nonexistent reproductive rights. In today's Germany, abortion is still illegal under the criminal code. It is nonpunishable under certain conditions, particularly during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, but nonetheless, in practice a modern-day Gretchen might have difficulty finding a doctor willing to perform a termination, depending on where she lives. Moreover, Gretchen might be intimidated by the stigma, which is not just societal but enshrined in German law. For decades now, the so-called paragraph 218 that criminalises abortion has been subject to political debate. Poland and the US are living proof that, even if not prosecuting anyone for carrying out or procuring an abortion is the accepted practice, that can be toppled quickly when ultraconservatives are in power. The last German government, under the Social Democratic party's (SPD) Olaf Scholz, made an attempt to reform paragraph 218 before losing power, but failed. Obviously, nobody expects the current German government, led by the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to take any progressive decisions on the right to physical self-determination. But what is now happening at the Bundestag goes further than preserving this outdated law – which must surely fall foul of international human rights standards. After weeks of an orchestrated rightwing social media campaign, the election by the Bundestag of three new judges to the constitutional court (Germany's highest court) was unexpectedly cancelled last week. The reason: one of candidates, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a 54-year-old jurist and professor, stands accused of holding extremist leftwing positions, because she supports the decriminalisation of abortion. Anyone who has listened to or read Brosius-Gersdorf's judicial reasoning knows that she fully relies on the German constitution in her arguments and carefully evaluates the rights of the mother and the embryo depending on the phase of pregnancy. In the early phase, according to Brosius-Gersdorf, the mother's rights predominate. In the later phase, as soon as the embryo is viable, the embryo's right to life has to be protected. Claims that Brosius-Gersdorf is in favour of abortions until the ninth month of pregnancy are blatant lies, spread by rightwing media as well as far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) politicians. The fact that Brosius-Gersdorf, who was nominated by the SPD, also argues for a ban on the AfD due to the classification of it by German intelligence as rightwing extremist might have been the real trigger for the propaganda campaign against her. Other accusations have circulated around the jurist's recommendation for compulsory vaccination during the pandemic, and allegations that her PhD thesis was plagiarised (which were proven to be false). But not until the focus fell on her allegedly radical views on abortion did the mobilisation succeed. Parts of the governing coalition – 50 to 60 Christian Democrat MPs – raised doubts about her nomination, which led to postponement of the vote, which will probably now be delayed until after the summer recess. Appointments to the constitutional court require a two-thirds parliamentary majority in a secret ballot. Her critics now expect Brosius-Gersdorf to withdraw, although the SPD, Greens and the leftwing party Die Linke continue to uphold her nomination. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion Now, all of this might sound very familiar to those who have followed the US culture wars of the past decade. Some commentators speak of the 'Trumpification of German politics', since the whole debacle is founded on fake news and defamation. But the stigma of abortion itself is not an imported phenomenon. It is part of German cultural identity, perpetuated by the Gretchen tragedy, which has never really gone out of date. Paragraph 218, by the way, is a relic from the 1871 criminal code and almost as old as Faust. Gretchen would certainly be surprised that so little has changed when it comes to bodily autonomy. Fatma Aydemir is a Berlin-based author, novelist, playwright and a Guardian Europe columnist
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Goethe's faustball revitalised in China
Members of a faustball team pose for a group photo with Sonke Spille (back, fourth left), head of events at the International Fistball Association (IFA), in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on Oct 24, 2024. – Xinhua photo CHENGDU (July 5): Jin Dong, 23, may have never read 'Faust', but he's among the first to play faustball on the Chinese mainland. A physical education (PE) teacher at a middle school in Chengdu, capital of southwest Sichuan Province, Jin took up the centuries-old European sport last September, when the mainland's first faustball team was founded in the city. He, along with several other PE teachers, became the key players of the team. 'It was something new, and I was curious to find out what it was,' Jin recalled of his first encounter with the sport. 'The field looks a bit like a football pitch, and the gameplay feels somewhat like volleyball. I gave it a try with a few colleagues, and it turned out to be a really exciting sport.' Faustball, also known as fistball in English, is most popular in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In 1786, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer known for his poetic drama 'Faust', mentioned a fistball match between four noblemen from Verona and four from Venice in his travel diary 'An Italian Journey'. 'Sonke Spille told us the story of Goethe and fistball during our training,' Jin said. Spille, head of events at the International Fistball Association (IFA), visited Chengdu's Tianfu Park in April last year, the venue set to host fistball matches during the 2025 World Games this summer. He returned in October to provide hands-on training for the players, accompanied by Gastao Englert, Chair of the IFA Sports Commission. 'It's my pleasure to have training with the Chinese players. It's a great session. They made steps about everything we talked about,' Spille said. Chengdu has established itself as a rising sports metropolis, having hosted major international events such as the 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup, the 2023 World University Games, and the 2022 World Team Table Tennis Championships. This August, it will host the 2025 World Games, introducing Chinese spectators to a range of non-Olympic sports such as fistball, many of which are making their debut on the local scene. 'The Chinese mainland's first fistball pitch meeting international standards will be completed by the end of June at Tianfu Park,' said Pu Yan, head of the communication department of the sports park, adding that the facility will also include training grounds and a spectator stand. 'The park will become a lasting legacy of the event, with the pitch continuing to serve fistball games after the World Games,' he said. Built on a vast expanse of lawn, Tianfu Park is a prime spot for leisure sports enjoyed by the residents. Recently, the local administration has added more sports facilities to enhance the experience. The park will also host the rock climbing event for the 2025 World Games. Members of a faustball team play during a training in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on Oct 24, 2024. – Xinhua photo 'I believe that the World Games will allow more Chinese people to know about fistball,' said Feng Cheng, head coach of the Chengdu fistball team. 'The World Games will introduce many new sports to China. Diversity is an important part of sports culture, and the Chinese people are always open to new experiences and eager to embrace new sports. More sports also create greater opportunities for cultural exchange and communication,' Feng added. Fistball was featured as a demonstration sport at the 1924 Paris Olympics and became an official competition sport at the World Games in 1985. At the 2025 World Games, fistball will make its debut on the Chinese mainland. 'Fistball does not have a high technical threshold and is suitable for men and women of all ages. I believe anyone between 20 and 60 years old can enjoy playing it,' Jin explained. The German fistball team won the World Games title in 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001. The Chinese team, however, will not compete at the 2025 World Games on home soil. 'It's a pity that our team won't have the chance to compete in the World Games, but we still have chances to participate in test matches and friendly games,' Feng said. 'Some of our players have also been invited to serve as assistant referees at the World Games,' said Jin. 'This is a valuable opportunity for them to be involved in the event.' Feng noted that schools and associations from other provinces, including Fujian and Guangdong, have contacted them with hopes of introducing fistball to more cities across China. To boost the sport's popularity, challenges related to venues and equipment, especially the ball, will need to be addressed. 'There are alternative options for pitches. Volleyball or badminton courts can also be used for fistball,' Jin said, adding that obtaining the appropriate balls in China is challenging. 'Currently, we use balls brought over by Sonke from Germany.' Chengdu has long been renowned for its trendy lifestyle, high quality of life, and passion for sports. Members of a faustball team play during a training in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 27, 2025. – AFP photo Fans of the city's football team passionately chant club songs, with videos often going viral on social media. In the old alleys of downtown, visitors can find a Manchester United fan club as well as Belgian and German beer pubs. Jin believes it is only a matter of time before fistball gains popularity in China. 'Like Frisbee, air volleyball, and flag football, fistball is another team sport with strong social aspects, and it will increasingly attract young people,' Jin said. – Xinhua
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Ironheart' spoilers! Who is that devilish villain in the season finale?
Spoiler alert! The following story discusses important plot points and the ending of the Marvel series 'Ironheart' (streaming now on Disney+), so beware if you haven't seen it. The devil's in the details of 'Ironheart.' From posters of Faust to life-changing deals between characters, there's a demonic presence throughout the latest Marvel superhero series. And it all leads to a major reveal in the season finale: the debut of Mephisto (Sacha Baron Cohen), the manipulative master of hell, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 'He's one of the big, big, big bads in the comics that has a lot of tethers to characters that we've been working with for years, and also characters that we hopefully will work with in the future,' says Brad Winderbaum, executive producer and head of Marvel Television. 'Ironheart' centers on young genius Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who's back in Chicago with her high-tech armored suit but no cash flow to make more advancements. She's recruited by Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), a crook with a mysterious magical hood, to join his crew but soon learns that 'The Hood' is way more evil than she expected. To combat his powers, Riri adds some supernatural mojo to her armor, but it's not without a cost: Her onboard AI, a digital representation of Riri's dead best friend Natalie (Lyric Ross), is deleted in the process. The season finale shows Parker's backstory and his deal with Mephisto. 'I am going to make you the greatest human of your generation,' Mephisto tells Parker, who says he wants to be 'stupid, disgusting, greasy rich.' Mephisto speaks in a nondescript accent when trying to make the bargain, but Cohen uses his own British accent when Mephisto's at his most villainous. 'Ironheart' creator Chinaka Hodge had 'this idea that he code-switches to ingratiate himself more to whoever he is talking to,' Winderbaum says. It became this fun detail that just made you feel like you could never quite trust that you were on solid footing whenever you were talking to him.' And when Parker's defeated by Riri, Mephisto moves on to her as his new mark, offering his services – for a price. 'Come on, Riri, make my millennia,' Mephisto says to her as they shake hands on their deal at the end of the episode: Natalie returns, not as an AI but as a woman back from the dead, and when they embrace, dark red striations crawl up Riri's arms showing that Mephisto has her in in his clutches. 'Mephisto's not a character that's shooting fiery, blast-y things from his hands. He's kind of threading his way into her mind and her future,' Winderbaum says. In the Marvel mythology, Mephisto is "up there with Thanos and Loki,' Winderbaum says. After first appearing in a 1968 issue of 'Silver Surfer,' Mephisto's been a frequent nuisance for Spider-Man and has tussled with Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom, Scarlet Witch and many others. The Marvel brain trust has wanted to use Mephisto since the MCU's earliest days. 'I don't know if he's ever made it to the screenplay page on particular projects, but certainly he was on the whiteboard for particular projects,' Winderbaum says. There's been rampant fan speculation for years about when Mephisto might show up. Many were convinced he was the major villain of 2021's Disney+ 'WandaVision' series, 'which certainly piqued our interest,' Winderbaum says. 'It felt like there was a confluence of things based on the stories we want to tell in the future and also fan enthusiasm that made 'Ironheart' just that perfect place to introduce him.' And having Mephisto in the MCU opens up a whole new realm of metaphysical storytelling, Winderbaum adds. 'Not just demonology and hell and theology in a Marvel-y way, but also morality and the ethics of that and the questions that those stories historically have brought to the forefront." When it came to casting Mephisto, I think Sacha was on all our minds,' Winderbaum adds. And now that he's here, the devilish fiend is staying for a while – and maybe even hitting the big screen sooner rather than later. 'Because we have a big player on the field right now, that doesn't just evaporate. That resonates and is going to grow into very interesting territory into the future,' Winderbaum says. 'He's extremely unbound by the medium. Without going into too much detail, the types of projects he will be in are not dependent on television.'
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Is Mephisto in Marvel? Powers of Ironheart's Potential Villain Listed
After Ironheart scattered some more hints in its first three episodes, there has been a spike in interest in Mephisto, one of the most iconic villains in Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Silver Surfer #3 back in 1968 and has remained crucial over the years. So, as rumors continue to swirl about the character appearing in Ironheart, here is a full breakdown of who he is and what powers he has. Mephisto was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema for Marvel comics. The character is based on Mephistopheles, a demon character from the Faust legend. The character was originally an antagonist to Silver Surfer and Ghost Rider, but extended beyond this over the years. Mephisto even appeared in Ghost Rider (2007), played by Peter Fonda, and in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), played by Ciaran Hinds. According to the lore, Mephisto claims that the supreme being died by suicide, which led to his creation. The supreme being's death allegedly created the whole Marvel Universe as well as the infinity stones. Mephisto has a totally evil nature and claims that this was also determined by the supreme being. Over the years, Mephisto has played a major role in several defining events. He captured and held the soul of Cynthia von Doom, and he caused the respective transformations of Norman and Harry Osborn into the Green Goblin and Kindred. Mephisto has many powers in Marvel Comics. He is an extremely powerful, immortal demonic entity who can manipulate and use magic. Using his powers, Mephisto can gain superhuman physical attributes, shape, and size-shifting abilities. He can also project illusions, manipulate memories, and alter time and reality. He is also highly durable and can recover from practically anything. Mephisto often acquires souls by making pacts with humans. The Ironheart narrative could use this as a device.
Chicago Tribune
20-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: Iconic windmill along I-80 comes down
Good afternoon, Chicago. Illinois lawmakers grappling with uncertainty over Trump administration spending cuts tucked a handful of tools aimed at maintaining key programs into the budget package signed by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this week, including a flexible fund of $100 million the governor can use to cover gaps left by unrealized federal funding. 'The magnitude and volume of problems that Trump and his administration are creating is something that no state has ever dealt with before. So it will have limited use,' Andy Manar, deputy governor on budget issues, said of the $100 million fund. 'But it will serve a very strategic role.' Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History The motel had long been a south suburban sore spot, a no-tell motel with stays available in four-hour increments that often ended badly. Read more here. More top news stories: Blue Island's former MetroSouth hospital served as a warning of what could happen if President Donald Trump's big bill aimed at slashing federal spending and extending tax cuts becomes law, elected officials and health care workers said. Read more here. More top business stories: The former Chicago Cubs outfielder will return to Wrigley Field today for the first time since his controversial exit in 2004, after reuniting with the organization in January at the Cubs Convention. Read more here. More top sports stories: Mezzo-soprano Marianne Crebassa and tenor John Osborn were both cast for the originally planned 'Faust,' but you'd think they were hand-picked specifically for this repertoire. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: President Donald Trump has been weighing whether to attack Iran by striking its well-defended Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is buried under a mountain and widely considered to be out of reach of all but America's 'bunker-buster' bombs. . Read more here. More top stories from around the world:
