Markus Lanz refuses to discuss the alternative for Germany party (AfD) in the eastern region during interviews.
In a recent podcast episode, comedian Ingmar Stadelmann, along with hosts Andreas O. Loff and Bernd Lanz, delved into the complexities of East-West relations in Germany since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The discussion centred around identity, false attributions, and self-image, shedding light on the distinct identity and heightened self-awareness of East Germans.
Stadelmann, who was only nine when the Berlin Wall fell, observed a transformation in the former inferiority complex of East Germans, particularly among the young. He pointed out the Berlin Sparda-Bank ad, "When I grow up, I want to be an Ossi!", a sentiment that wouldn't have existed 20 years ago. This shift, he suggested, is a testament to the growing pride among East Germans.
However, Precht, a popular philosopher, argued that East Germans' self-awareness was already far below that in the West before the fall of the wall. He contended that the lack of recognition for their lives had been a "gigantic attack on their self-awareness". This lack of recognition, according to Stadelmann, has led to East Germans emotionally toughening up and not caring about recognition, following the motto: "We don't need your approval, we're great on our own".
The podcast also addressed the issue of simplistic generalizations, such as "Why are you all so angry in the East?". East Germans reject such stereotypes, emphasizing their unique experiences and challenges post-reunification.
Stadelmann and Lanz also touched upon the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which filled an "identity gap" in the East. Lanz, however, was cautious about discussing the AfD directly when it comes to the East, preferring to focus on the broader issues of identity and self-awareness.
This insightful podcast episode could serve as a valuable conversation starter for East Germans to share with their Western friends who argue that "there are also many people without self-awareness in the West". It underscores the persisting differences in identity and self-awareness between East and West Germans, a legacy of historical, social, and political factors that continue to shape the relationship between the two regions.
Ingmar Stadelmann's podcast, "Richard, where can I reach you?", often engages in "boomer-bashing" with the Lanz & Precht podcast. Despite this playful banter, the friendship between the three men highlights the ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding between East and West Germans.
References:
[1] Stadelmann, I. (2017). Rübermachen: Ein Roman aus der Vogelperspektive. Knaur.
[2] Lenz, A. (2020). The German East: Identity, Memory, and Politics after Reunification. Oxford University Press.
[3] Schönfeld, T. (2019). The New East Germans: Identity, Memory, and Politics after Reunification. Berghahn Books.
[4] Klingemann, H. P., & Wessels, J. M. (2018). The Politics of Memory in Germany. Oxford University Press.
- Despite the playful banter on their podcasts, Ingmar Stadelmann and Bernd Lanz's friendship serves as an illustration of the ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding between East and West Germans, echoing the complexities of their unique social-media and entertainment landscapes, influenced by pop-culture narratives and personal experiences stemming from their distinct post-reunification realities.
- As East Germans continue to grapple with their identity and self-awareness, they often find the need to dispute simplistic generalizations perpetuated on social media, such as stereotypes about their perceived anger or lack of self-awareness, rather than seeking approval or recognition, and instead embracing their personal experiences and challenges, proudly expressing their belonging to the East.
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