Around a shabby table in a sports centre of a university, an interpreter, a civil servant and a humanitarian worker—myself—have dinner with the residents of a temporary refugee camp. Rock-hard bread, cheap cheese, plastic knives. Germany in October 2015.
Since this summer, the civil servant—I’ll call her Anne—has been reuniting families and organising toilet paper and blankets for refugees. “Why do you speak Arabic, by the way?” she asks the interpreter. Alix explains her origins: “I was born in Jordan into a Palestinian family. Twelve years ago, my family moved to Germany.”
“Oh dear, you speak German so well. But in fact you’re German on paper only.”
Blood makes the Nation
This is in the heart of Germany—a rural region, often forgotten by the national press. We are neither in the far east that shines with xenophobic protests and burning refugee shelters, nor in the western cities, brimming with a lively migrant culture. The sports centre with Anne and Alix is somewhere in between, somewhere in mediocrity and rural tranquillity.
Calling someone a paper German—negating her German-ness and claiming blood to define German-ness—with a bright smile is not the same as being a radical xenophobe. The struggle for Germany and its many new citizens isn’t so much the violent fascists throwing Molotov cocktails at refugee camps—that’s a matter of mere law enforcement. It’s the subtle racism of the common man, even the men and women working with refugees every day.
Debating racism is a tough one. In German public discourse, the word race—Rasse—has been absent for over 60 years. Its sharp S, its SS in fact, carries a bad connotation. Yet, the concept of race persists, like Anne’s claim that race defines German-ness. A debate on belonging hasn’t reached the hinterland. Even the most liberal administrators or humanitarians in rural camps welcome refugees often with ignorance and a subtle racism.
The struggle for Germany and its many new citizens isn’t so much the violent fascists throwing Molotov cocktails at refugee camps—that’s a matter of mere law enforcement. It’s the subtle racism of the common man
Not long ago, the guy who opened the kebab shop down the road was the only visible foreigner in most towns and villages of central Germany. And suddenly, since this summer even the most remote area is confronted with Homs, Damascus and Mosul on a daily basis.
Refugees who reach Germany are distributed all over the country, based on a complex quota system. Population size and economic strength determines how many refugees will be settled in each district—even in those districts that haven’t been exposed to foreigners.
Welcome, dirty Arabs
A mayor—Social-Democrat—of a small town asked me to translate a welcome letter into Arabic and English. His town will be hosting three Syrian families soon. The letter started with sweet welcoming words, until the third paragraph: “perhaps you have wondered about our culture. Point one: men and women are equal in Germany. Point two: cleanliness is very dear to us here. Point three: many religions exist here.”
Men and women are not equal in Germany. Actually, this town’s council consists of eight men and one woman. Nor do we have many religions here—at least not as many as in downtown Damascus.
To be fair, a note about cleanliness can be found in any lease of any landlord—but not in a welcome letter. Men and women are not equal in Germany. Actually, this town’s council consists of eight men and one woman. Nor do we have many religions here—at least not as many as in downtown Damascus. The mayor thinks all Arabs beat women, kill Christians and are dirty, yet he stands up actively against neo-fascist groups.
This ambivalence is not rare in the countryside and only shows that it takes more than activism against the far right to welcome refugees. Anyone being welcomed by this “welcome letter” would have been reluctant to seek dialogue. With these assumptions ingrained in local decision makers’ minds, integration has a long way to go—and I mean integrating Germans from the hinterland into a global society.
Neither Anne nor the mayor would vote for the nationalistic AfD party or would join the xenophobic protests to protect “occidental culture”. Certainly, they could recite the first paragraph of our Constitution: “Human dignity is untouchable.” Yet, both fail to give this powerful credo any meaning.
Refugees: Violent to the core
Smoke-filled hall, lots of beer and Harleys. A biker party in a village in Germany’s east. I meet a friend from my high school; he works for the riot police force now.
The German police has complained for long: understaffed, underfunded and criticised by the public too harshly. On a daily basis, they show up in riot gear at refugee camps. Conflicts over religion or over a loaf of bread or domestic violence do happen—and the police is fed up. My former classmates is convinced, “They’re too many, it’s impossible to handle. Daily I’m in the camps.” He also knows our Constitution, but fails to see the core of these incidents—the lack of dignity.
Stuffy halls, no privacy and nothing to do: the breeding ground for conflict. (It takes up to six months for successful refugees until they’re allowed to work, not counting the time it takes to find work.) The humanitarians managing the camps and the civil servants providing the infrastructure have failed, and then the riot police is called in. Certainly, there are hotheads among the residents. But well-managed camps do exist, where the administration gives agency to the residents, where volunteers are allowed in to give German classes, where humanitarians and administrators actively listen to the residents. Blaming all refugees for being violent is like blaming Volkswagen owners for exhausting too many fumes. The decisions for an atmosphere of dignity and security in the camps are mostly taken at a higher level, not only by the residents.
Blaming all refugees for being violent is like blaming Volkswagen owners for exhausting too many fumes.
Anne’s ancient understanding of blood defining the nation, the mayor’s undignified welcome and the policeman’s failure to see what it takes to live with dignity illustrate the clashes that occur daily in Germany. Administrators, representatives, policemen and many others in the hinterland of Germany are suddenly confronted with global citizens who have left their homes, navigated across seas and fences, with their complicated personal histories in their bags—and who only want a life in dignity.
Europe is not facing a refugee crisis. Refugees are uncovering a crisis of discourse, an ugly side of Germany far away from Merkel’s benevolent “We’ll manage this.”
arderborelnot
I simply had to say thanks all over again. I do not know the things I might have undertaken without these tactics revealed by you over such a topic. It actually was a scary crisis for me, but taking note of the very skilled tactic you dealt with that made me to cry for contentment. Now i am thankful for this information and as well , pray you really know what a great job you were doing educating most people all through your web blog. I am certain you’ve never come across all of us.
lgopro99
I believe this internet site has got very wonderful pent articles content.
situs slot
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
lgopro99
I am impressed with this website , very I am a big fan .
slot gacor hari ini
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
situs slot
Some really nice and utilitarian info on this website, besides I think the pattern has got superb features.
casas en José Ignacio
Together with almost everything which seems to be building inside this subject matter, many of your viewpoints are generally very radical. However, I appologize, because I can not give credence to your whole theory, all be it stimulating none the less. It appears to everyone that your remarks are actually not totally rationalized and in reality you are your self not totally confident of your argument. In any event I did take pleasure in reading through it.
ropa de sauna
I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site :)
elefant mit flügeln
Hey very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I am happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
entrenador tenis
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Abogados de Lesiones Personales
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
link slot gacor
great post.Never knew this, thanks for letting me know.
canon mallorca
I respect your piece of work, thanks for all the useful posts.
alquiler de moto en ibiza
Its wonderful as your other posts : D, thanks for putting up.
apartamento pamplona por dias
Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
ayuda TFM arquitectura
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up.
curso de cavaquinho pagode
I’ve read a few excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you set to create such a magnificent informative site.
ayuda TFG arquitectura
Just what I was searching for, appreciate it for putting up.
ayuda TFM arquitectura
Whats up very nice website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionallyKI am happy to seek out numerous useful info here within the put up, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
situs toto togel
Sweet website , super style and design, very clean and apply genial.
togel 4d
Whats up very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionallyKI’m satisfied to search out numerous useful info here within the submit, we’d like work out more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
dealer hangcha
I was just seeking this info for some time. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Usually the top sites are full of garbage.
situs toto
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. With thanks
pestoto
I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up.
toto 4d
I wanted to compose a small comment in order to say thanks to you for the stunning tips and tricks you are showing here. My time consuming internet research has at the end been rewarded with reasonable facts and strategies to exchange with my relatives. I would repeat that we site visitors actually are definitely endowed to be in a remarkable community with so many marvellous professionals with valuable tips. I feel very blessed to have come across the web page and look forward to tons of more excellent times reading here. Thank you again for all the details.
매장용 카드단말기 추천
Hiya very cool blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionallyKI’m satisfied to find numerous useful information right here in the submit, we’d like work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
situs toto
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Wonderful job!
landing page otimizada para conversão
I think you have observed some very interesting details, thankyou for the post.
hgo909
Thank you, I have recently been looking for information about this topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve came upon till now. However, what about the conclusion? Are you certain about the source?
instalação de energia solar Salvador
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
hptoto
Some genuinely good blog posts on this internet site, appreciate it for contribution.
hptoto
Hello! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!
panco4d
Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
olxtoto link
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
song lyrics
Very interesting subject , appreciate it for posting.
เครื่องปั๊มนม
I have read a few just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you put to make this kind of magnificent informative web site.
situs slot
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other customers like its aided me. Great job.
ponto comercial para alugar em campos dos goytacazes
Great blog! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.
horse gelatin trick
I like this website very much, Its a real nice situation to read and receive info .
horse gelatin trick recipe
Can I simply say what a reduction to search out somebody who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the way to deliver a problem to light and make it important. More folks need to learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre not more standard because you definitely have the gift.
horse gelatin trick
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
codigo unicine
Appreciating the commitment you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
pousada com piscina lapinha da serra
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would truly benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!
vendita piastrelle
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
royal138 slot resmi
I see something genuinely interesting about your web blog so I saved to bookmarks.
slot gacor
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Floor Decking Plate
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
ai governance
I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve included you guys to my personal blogroll.
Packing bag manufacturer
Thank you for your whole hard work on this web page. Kate delights in setting aside time for internet research and it is easy to understand why. A number of us learn all regarding the dynamic means you provide advantageous thoughts by means of the website and therefore encourage participation from the others on the situation while our favorite princess is in fact becoming educated so much. Take pleasure in the rest of the year. You’re the one doing a useful job.
poolfolien
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
mpo2qq
Glad to be one of many visitants on this awesome website : D.
제주 가라오케 예약 전 체크사항
숙소 위치에 맞춰 이동 동선과 귀가 방법까지 확인하면 일정 잡기가 수월하겠네요. 제주 가라오케 이용 안내에도 위치와 이용 조건을 확인하는 방법이 나와 있습니다.
togel 4d
Keep up the wonderful work, I read few blog posts on this web site and I think that your website is real interesting and contains circles of superb info .
Ethical hackers for hire
I don’t usually comment but I gotta state regards for the post on this great one :D.
aviator
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great articles.
ethical hacking courses
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
pod eletronico
I am incessantly thought about this, thankyou for putting up.
raz vape flavors
I used to be recommended this blog through my cousin. I am not sure whether or not this put up is written by way of him as nobody else understand such targeted about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!
elitekaraoke.isweb.co.kr
Hello are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
구글 백링크
Keep up the great work, I read few content on this web site and I believe that your site is really interesting and has got bands of superb info .