First of all, what you say is an example of the uniqueness of Western Civilization, the capacity for self-reflexion and self-criticism. I lived in Germany for 3 years and I found the German self-denigration, self-flagellation and the lack of a healthy German patriotism to be disturbing. I don't know, is the rest of Europe different? I've followed the discussion concerning Vlams Beland and Sverigedemokraten on Little Green Footballs. Both of these groups are supportive of their nations, but carry it too far into a hatred of others.
I've come to believe, the US is blessed with a healthy patriotism, pride of country and love of America, that doesn't include denigration of others and remains open to all. Anyone can become an American. Race, creed, national origin, religion do not exclude anyone. Accept the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, love America, obey the law and you're in.
No other nation has this capacity. You'll always be judged by your origin, your color or your religion. It doesn't matter, how long you're there, you and your children will be judged. Could I become a Swede, equal to other Swedes?
I always knew that the unhealthy German attitude toward their own country would express itself in unhealthy ways. German self-loathing would flip into an over-bearing nationalism, like the neo-Nazis or continue into a disolving of Germany and surrender to a foreign culture. German culture is a great culture and one of the few cultures in the world that has produced invention, creativity, progress and worldwide influence. World War I created a situation that was catastrophic for most of Europe. In Germany, the reaction lead to Nazism. In other parts, we saw Communism, Fascism, and milder forms of societal breakdown.
It wasn't unique to Germany. And Germany doesn't have unique guilt. But many in Germany demand a unique guilt. They are uniquely guilty in history. This is insanity and produces social dislocations.
“I always knew that the unhealthy German attitude toward their own country would express itself in unhealthy ways. German self-loathing would flip into an over-bearing nationalism....”
That is EXACTLY the mindset that gave rise to Hitler and Nazism. After WWI and the Versailles Treaty that emasculated Germany the German people were full of self-doubt, self-loathing, fear, and uncertainty. Hitler played on that.