DER WENDEPUNKT
P R O T E S T C U L T U R E
Welcome to the fourth issue of the STAHS German magazine, Der Wendepunkt
Der Wendepunkt is produced by Y10-13 students. Rather than focusing on linguistic knowledge, we explore cultural and historical aspects of Germanspeaking countries
In this issue, we will take a closer look at protest culture in Germany.
At the time of this publication, protest culture in Germany has become a very topical issue
Numerous farmers’ protests are currently taking place, with farmers across the country driving tractors into city centres and blocking motorways to protest against the federal government’s plans to cut subsidies
At the same time, thousands of people have been gathering in German cities to demonstrate against right-wing extremism. These protests came about after a meeting between right-wing extremists and AfD politicians (Alternative für Deutschland, a rightwing populist political party) came to light.
We hope you enjoy this issue of Der Wendepunkt, in which we take you on a journey discovering different protest forms and movements that have had or still have an important influence on Germany’s history and culture today.
Anna Weber
THE WHITE ROSE: THE STUDENTS WHO DEFIED HITLER
by Aanya Apte
The White Rose protest movement (Weiße Rose) was a student-led non-violent group based in Munich during the Nazi regime in 1940s Germany The movement was founded by university student Hans Scholl in 1942 along with his fellow medical students Other founding members of the group included Hans’ younger sister Sophie Scholl, Christoph Probst, Will Graf and Alexander Schmorell These students were outraged and appalled by the Nazi’s cruelty and tyranny, as well as the apathy of many other Germans towards the plight of those who were persecuted. Being mainly comprised of intellectuals, members of the White Rose movement chose to adopt a policy of non-violent protest by distributing leaflets and pamphlets that displayed strong anti-Nazi sentiments
However, despite their ardent opposition to the Third Reich, the Scholl siblings were not initially opposed to the Nazi regime As teenagers, Hans joined the Hitler Jugend (Hitler Youth), and Sophie joined the Bund Deutscher Mädel (League of German Girls) Their views began to shift when their father, who was a strong critic of Hitler, was arrested and when the children saw first-hand the mistreatment of their Jewish acquaintances Their opposition to the Nazis hardened when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, and a large number of Polish people were forcefully deported to concentration camps.
Criticising the Nazi regime came at the harsh price of execution and death Many White Rose activists risked their own lives to transport and mail leaflets denouncing Hitler and his regime in an attempt to stop the Nazi war effort In their leaflets and pamphlets, members advocated views to sabotage the military industry and the reduction of military force in occupied countries During the early days of the movement, the students only mailed the pamphlets to professors, booksellers, authors, and friends they could trust However, towards the end of the movement, the White Rose distributed leaflets to thousands of supporters all over Germany and even as far south as Vienna
Members of the White Rose
The movement began to collapse in January 1943 The Scholl siblings, who felt empowered by the defeat of the Nazi German army in the Battle of Stalingrad, distributed leaflets that this time directly urged students in Munich to rebel against the Nazis. Sophie Scholl pushed a stack of leaflets off the stairs and was spotted by the university janitor, who was a staunch supporter of the Nazis The janitor betrayed the Scholls as well as Christopher Probst to the Gestapo (short for Geheime Staatspolizei, the Nazi secret state police) and they were arrested on 18th February 1943 The regime executed the core group members by guillotine on 22nd February 1943 and other group members were arrested later on Sophie Scholl’s famous last words before execution epitomise the aim of the White Rose movement and many other protest and resistance groups throughout time:
Whilst the White Rose movement initially failed to be recognised within Germany, it gained traction in other countries, such as the USA. It was only during the long-term post-war years that the White Rose movement served as a global representation of acting according to one’s moral conscience, thus inspiring many people around the world to fight and stand up for what is right
“Was liegt an meinem Tod, wenn durch unser Handeln Tausende von Menschen aufgerüttelt und geweckt werden.”
“What does my death matter, if thousands of people are awakened and stirred into action.“
Mugshots of Sophie and Hans Scholl after their arrest by the Gestapo on 18th February 1943
THE FIGHT FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN EAST AND WEST GERMANY
by Trisha Sengupta
When we consider Germany after World War Two, the quest for women’s rights isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Post-war West Germany was dominated by political parties frantically searching for opportunities for economic growth, in order to face the gargantuan debt that loomed over the country. However, although the feminist movement wasn’t at the forefront of the nation’s issues, it certainly rose to prominence during this time Despite demographic changes post-war, which meant the electorate consisted of a larger proportion of women, they still were not properly represented in government, with only 10% of representatives in the Bundestag being female This is perhaps explained by the fact that, on average, women had fewer academic qualifications, and for this reason were less likely to succeed in such professions.
However, feminist issues became increasingly important in the Federal Republic of Germany (the FRG) as it began to recover from its economic downfall. Works of renowned American feminist authors, such as Betty Friedan and ‘The Feminine Mystique’, were translated into German, marking the start of a wave of feminist protest The West Germans were suddenly alerted to the fact that men indeed had more opportunities, even more respect, than women at the time. Some groups acted upon this in rather radical ways, such as the guerrilla organisation Rote Zora, an antipatriarchy terrorist group which, despite numerous bombings (45 to be precise) and multiple attacks, did very little to advance the women’s movement
A political party that accomplished more was the Green Party, established in 1980 This was a development of the FDP (Freie Demokratische Partei), and both parties envisioned equal rights for women, along with a push for abortion reforms Importantly, these political parties used more peaceful methods in their quest for women’s equality. Distinguished German women, such as the journalist Carola Stern and actress Romy Schneider used their fame to further the fight for rights This extended far beyond purely professional ambitions, but rather personal rights too, with Stern and Schneider launching the ‘right to abortion’ campaign in West Germany (“Wir haben abgetrieben”) in the 1970s, thus prompting more and more women to press for such rights in the Green Party The protest for rights canvassed more support with each passing year, and as more feminists came into political power through the Green Party, women’s rights became the most topical issue in 1980s West Germany
From this arose many other forms of protest, including the feminist magazine EMMA, which to this day remains the only European political magazine run exclusively by women For a long time, the founder of the magazine, Alice Schwarzer, was the symbolic figure of the German women’s movement. Though criticised for its opinionated content, EMMA marked an important breakthrough for women’s rights in West Germany and continues to pave the way for further advancements.
Interestingly, the GDR was not in need of such forms of protest. In fact, East Germany did not face similar problems with the feminist movement at all Socialism meant that equality existed between sexes (in principle), and certainly, women could work similar jobs to men, with similar hours, which 89% of women did (unlike in West Germany, where permission from a husband was needed) The Western movement was even criticised as being ‘man-hating’ by the East However, another, perhaps darker, reason for the lack of protest in the East was simply that it was forbidden With Stasi (secret police) spies being dotted within society, from neighbours to shop owners, it was hard to even form a protest group, let alone get away with an actual protest or demonstration
The ability to protest and express one’s will to bring about change is truly a privilege that not all nations, such as the former GDR, have. Whilst it is clear that women’s rights in Germany are not perfect, it is indisputable that past protests have changed the standing of women for the better Ultimately, it is hard to imagine what Germany would be like today, had such protests not taken place
issue of the feminist magazine EMMA, published
A 1970s women’s protest against Article 218, which banned the right to have an abortion in West Germany
WOMEN’S PROTEST THROUGH CLOTHING IN SPORT
by Kirsten Done
In the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the German gymnastics team made the daring and powerful decision to fight sexism in the form of wearing unitards instead of leotards. This team’s kit had all the same sparkle, elegance, and necessary team colours without the unnecessary, “highly sexualising” cut of the traditional leotards The debut of this unitard was at the European artistic championship in April of 2020 This revolutionary idea has not yet been adopted by other Olympic teams and countries
Making a stance through clothing is something that is widely accepted in most areas, whether it be for religious or personal reasons However, this acceptance is rarely reciprocated in sport, particularly when it comes to female athletes. What the athletes of the German team (Kim Bui, Pauline Schäfer, Sarah Voss, and Elisabeth Seitz) have done in 2020 is simply exercising their right to dress in the way they feel is appropriate and comfortable for them and not to conform to existing standards Their choice of qualification unitards consisted of fuchsia unitards with lace cutouts on the legs and gle on the side The fullskintight,soinnowaydid asts from competing, but sk of exposing the athlete uncomfortable ve been successful in nd protesting against the mnasts. In this context, yed a big role One of the eitz, wrote on Instagram …]toallgymnastswho mfortableoreven innormalsuits. pinion,everygymnast decideinwhichtypeof stcomfortable and gymnastics.”
The German gymnastics team at the 2020 Olympics
Most people online seem to be in agreement with what Seitz is saying, and it has been well received. As a consequence, people have also started to criticise the double standards of male gymnasts versus female gymnasts For example, the male gymnasts typically wear a singlet under comparatively loose stirrup trousers. This fact also devalues the argument that some people have put forward that the longer female unitard is inhibiting them from doing gymnastics, as men have shown not to be inhibited whilst wearing trousers Simone Biles, an American gymnast who is widely considered one of the sport’s greatest athletes, has also taken to social media in support of the German gymnasts, even though she chooses to wear the standard leotards This response is particularly interesting as it highlights the purpose of the German gymnasts: to give the athletes a choice over what they feel most comfortable in whilst doing their sport
There have been many incidents that have triggered the need for this change. One example in the world of gymnastics is Larry Nasar He was the USA national gymnastics team doctor, who is now serving a 176-year sentence for sexually assaulting all members of the US team in 2012 and many more offences Admittedly, the leotards cannot protect women from sexual assault, but it helps the women to gain the ownership that they deserve over their bodies
Similar to what the German team was doing in 2020, in 2021 the Norwegian women’s beach handball team competed in the European Championships wearing thigh-length elastic shorts Despite coming in third place, the team got fined €1,500 for what was perceived as a uniform discrepancy The team simply did not wear the standard bikini bottoms that are typically worn during the sport This is an interesting contrast to the positive response that the German gymnastics team received, and again reiterates the need for the sporting industry to listen to women athletes and their protest through clothing
The Norwegian women’s beach handball team got fined after wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms at the European Championships
Genetic modification is a controversial topic across the world, but especially in Germany
The official German definition of a GMO (genetically modified organism) is an organism, with the exception of humans, in which genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally (e g by mating or natural recombination). Proponents of genetic modification argue that relaxing rules on genetic modification would provide economic benefits, accelerate scientific tests, and facilitate advances in gene therapy In an open letter, 117 scientific organisations (including the Max Planck Institute) called for an objective discussion surrounding genetic modification and possible relaxation of laws
Despite this, there is much opposition, particularly against 'green' genetic technology in agriculture. The primary reasons for opposition are the perceived consequences of danger and the increasing power of corporations. Negative attitudes towards mechanisation and globalisation contribute to resistance to GMOs, since critics believe they will industrialise agriculture and increase the power of large agricultural businesses Furthermore, the protests tie in with high levels of opposition in Germany to pesticides and herbicides. According to Greenpeace, a key international opposition group, the main reasons are the unknown health risks, the decrease in diversity of plants, and higher pesticide resistance
GERMANY’S PROTEST AGAINST GMOS
by Charlotte Chapman
Following the arrival of genetically modified products (like soybeans and corn) from the US in the 1990s, opposition rose sharply. The opposition is generally organised into a combination of international organisations and national-level groups. In 1996, Greenpeace Germany began campaigning against GMOs and immediately started influencing the national discussion on regulations At the same time, local organisations in Austria mobilised against genetic modification to protect their large organic farming industry, due to the alleged danger of GMOs 'contaminating' their organic crops
Protest groups gain the attention of the public and media by using emotive language and images to evoke fear Groups also frequently damage fields of genetically modified crops in order to raise awareness and destroy the considered dangerous crops Another method used to express their discontent with the state of genetic engineering is protest marches For example, the group ‘Wir haben es satt' (We are fed up) organises yearly protests calling for an end to 'restrictive' environmental regulations Their current targets are: greater labelling of genetically modified products; spreading awareness of the alleged danger of new techniques (like CRISPR); and insurance against damages caused by GMOs To maximise impact, demonstrations take place at the same time as International Green Week, when important exhibitions about agriculture are held nearby
In addition, 'Wir haben es satt' is an example of the integration of anti-genetic modification views into politics, since it is supported by the Green Party (currently in the coalition government) However, the political discussion surrounding the use of GMOs does not only involve the Green Party For example, in 2015 the environment minister Barbara Hendricks (a member of the SPD - another important party in the current coalition) supported the campaign for a complete ban of GMO imports
As a consequence of protests in the 1990s and contemporary food scandals, the use of GMOs has received a lot of media attention. As a result, supermarkets began to label their products as 'GMO-free' in order to seem safe. Within Germany, Lidl and Aldi even banned genetically modified products, although there were very few products available Due to the widespread support of the movement, two-thirds of German people support banning the cultivation of genetically modified crops. Organisations like 'Friends of the Earth' mobilise this opposition with petitions For example, this year across Europe, more than 400,000 people signed a petition calling for the new generation of GMOs to be 'regulated and labelled'. These protests are generally successful, as they have resulted in comparatively restrictive laws on genetic modification in Germany and Austria. For example, the sole approved genetically modified seed (MON 810) is unable to be cultivated in Germany
However, the anti-GMO movement has failed to achieve some of its aims, for example the increased labelling of GMOs and more restrictions on new technology like CRISPR Furthermore, there is a likelihood that the current resistance to genetically modified products may not continue if the price of GM products continues to drop, as consumers generally prioritise economic incentives over ethical issues The current movement also fails to address the high levels of genetically modified animal feed which is imported into Germany. Overall, the anti-GMO movement has been successful, by effectively shaping public opinion towards genetic modification, thereby weakening the position of GMOs.
Protesters hold banners against the authorisation of cultivating genetically modified maize in Berlin
German ‘GMO-free’ label
THE FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE MOVEMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON GERMANY’S ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
by Fiona Achale
A global youth-led movement called Fridays for Future is pushing for immediate action to address climate change It all started with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg's 2018 solo school strike, during which she demonstrated in front of the Swedish Parliament and called on the government to take more serious action to solve the climate catastrophe Young students and activists were inspired by her fearless action, and subsequently organised weekly rallies and demonstrations to push lawmakers to prioritise climate action and enact more sustainable policies The movement then spread throughout the world, raised public awareness of climate issues and brought about real policy changes through persistent activism and pressure from the public By putting pressure on institutions and governments to take decisive action to cut carbon emissions and save the environment for future generations, Fridays for Future seeks to increase public awareness of the seriousness of climate change
It was Luisa Neubauer who started the movement in Germany and until today she is one of the main organizers of the German branch of Fridays for Future The 26-year-old activist is the most prominent representative of the German climate movement in media
Germany has been leading the Fridays for Future global movement in recent years, which calls for immediate action against climate change Millions of people around the world have been inspired by this youth-led movement, which has spurred debates, demonstrations, and calls for immediate action to solve the climate catastrophe. The movement in Germany has greatly impacted the country's conversation on environmental issues
The movement has raised public awareness of climate issues and brought about real policy changes through persistent activism and pressure from the public. Furthermore, Fridays for Future has been essential in helping Germany's youth develop an awareness of environmental issues For example, younger generations have been inspired to participate in activism, advocacy, and sustainable practices in their daily lives as a result of their empowerment and education regarding climate change In this way, the movement has given young people a bigger voice and emphasised how crucial it is that they get involved in creating a sustainable future
Luisa Neubauer and Greta Thunberg
Even though the movement has advanced significantly, problems still exist The efficiency of protests and demonstrations in influencing policy changes is frequently questioned by detractors Furthermore, policymakers continue to face the challenging task of striking a balance between economic interests and environmental concerns.
Still, one cannot deny the importance of Fridays for Future's influence in Germany. It has given the climate debate a sense of urgency, igniting conversations in a variety of sectors and pressuring policymakers to give environmental sustainability a top priority
In conclusion, Fridays for Future has become a powerful force in Germany, influencing governmental agendas and igniting a shift in cultural attitudes towards environmental protection Its legacy is felt not just in the changes to policies but also in the way it has motivated a generation to take an active role in the fight against climate change.
“Climate strike - We’ll strike until you act”
THE LAST GENERATION - HOW FAR CAN PROTESTS GO?
by Anna Weber
“Wir sind nicht länger bereit, dieses Verbrechen gegen die Menschheit widerstandslos hinzunehmen”
“We are no longer prepared to accept this crime against humanity without resistance”
(Last Generation)
It all began with a hunger strike in the run-up to the German federal elections in summer 2021 A group of seven climate activists (later known as Last Generation) who were frustrated by the slow progress on reducing carbon emissions in Germany set up tents in front of the Parliament building in Berlin and began a weeklong hunger strike At that time, Germany was set to elect a new chancellor after Angela Merkel’s 16-year term came to an end, and these activists demanded a public conversation on climate issues with the three leading candidates Henning Jescke, a young activist, held out for almost four weeks But after their hunger strike failed to achieve its initial goal, Jescke and another activist, Lea Bonasera, refused water for seven hours on the day before the election This led to Olaf Scholz, the then-frontrunner candidate from the Social Democrat Party (SPD) and current Chancellor, agreed to a conversation with them. Weeks later, Scholz met with the two Last Generation activists in front of a small audience, but they struggled to find common ground Pointing to the government’s constitutional duty to preserve the environment for future generations, Bonasera said “[ ] if you don’t live up to your responsibility, then we see ourselves forced to create massive disturbances here in Germany Peaceful, but massive ”
Since then, the Last Generation, mostly active in Germany, Austria, and parts of Italy, has repeatedly staged radical protests to highlight the impending climate emergency and draw attention to their governments’ lack of action on the issue
The name “Letzte Generation” was chosen because they consider themselves to be the last generation before tipping points in the earth’s climate system would be triggered.
In Germany, the group has three central demands: the introduction of a general speed limit of 100kph on highways, a cheap ticket for nationwide public transport, and a “citizen’s council” that will develop measures to ensure that Germany will become free of fossil fuels in a socially just manner by 2030
Many activists of the Last Generation are feeling dissatisfied with the lack of results achieved by other climate activist groups. Therefore, they resort to the means of civil disobedience including hundreds of road blockades and using orange paint to vandalize the private jets and yachts of company owners and the super-rich.
A further example of vandalism was in October 2022, when two Last Generation activists threw mashed potatoes onto a Monet painting in Potsdam (the artwork was behind glass and was not damaged).
In addition, there were several occasions where activists vandalized government buildings in Berlin. For example, they for example covered the ground in front of the chancellery in black liquid, demanding a stillstand agreement on new oil drilling. Most recently, members of the Last Generation repeatedly painted the words “Olaf lügt” (“Olaf is lying”) - referring to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz - on the facade of the chancellery
In September 2023, Last Generation activists sprayed orange paint on Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to push for a stop to the use of fossil fuels by 2030
Even though they often target groups they believe are most directly responsible for climate change (the government, large corporations, and the super-rich), the group's main method remains street blockades The activists believe these lead to more attention because they take place in the public sphere
The activists glue their hands to the street surface, blocking traffic in busy intersections and causing massive traffic disruptions, while police officers use oil to dissolve the glue and remove the protesters from the blocked lanes
Recently, some activists have used quickdrying concrete to attach their hands to the road, making it even harder for police to remove them
Activists see gluing as a very severe form of communication and as a statement of “we’re not leaving, we’re staying here, it’s that important to us”
In July 2023, climate activists from the Last Generation group in Hamburg and Düsseldorf even glued their hands to the runways of local airports in Hamburg and Düsseldorf causing widespread delays and cancellations
These actions have earned them the nickname “Klimakleber” (climate stickers)
In 2022 the Association for the German Language chose “Klimaterroristen” (“Climateterrorists” - in reference to the Last Generation activists) as the “un-word” (“the worst neologism”) of the year 2022 The expression was used in public discourse to discredit activists and their protests for more climate protection
Their civil disobedience methods have met with mixed reactions from the public, including expressions of outrage and threats of violence Especially drivers react angrily and show little understanding for road blockades by the Last Generation
The Last Generation came to the public’s attention when a cyclist had an accident during one of their protest in Berlin and died shortly afterwards The group was accused of delaying the arrival of the rescue vehicle that could have freed the woman who was trapped under a truck A court later ruled that the Last Generation was not to blame for the cyclist’s death Already sceptical over the group’s tactics, much of Germany’s society turned on the Last Generation after the accident and believed the group’s protests had gone too far
In May 2023, the Bavarian central office for combating extremism and terrorism led investigations against the Last Generation including nationwide raids on flats, arresting activists, shutting down the group’s website, and freezing accounts linked to the group. Several members of the Last Generation were suspected of forming or supporting a criminal organization
“Kriminell sind nicht wir, die für das Klima eintreten - Kriminell ist die fehlende politische Führung in dieser Krise.”
“What is criminal is not us standing up for the climate - it is the lack of political leadership in this crisis.”
Aimée van Baalen, spokesperson Last Generation
Last Generation’s protests have led to controversy over the legitimacy and effectiveness of such disruptive actions, with many politicians and other climate activists distancing themselves from the group Germany’s Chancellor Scholz called Last Generation’s protests “completely idiotic” and Fridays for Future activist Luisa Neubauer openly criticizes the Last Generation
Neubauer believes that political change does not come faster if you resort to more radical measures. According to her and the opinion of many Germans, the Last Generation’s negative image is damaging the entire movement The climate movement’s difficulties in mobilizing can also be explained by the fact that it is harder to persuade people to take part in protests when there is such a negative public image of climate protests
The group’s leaders were undeterred by their unpopularity and Henning Jeschke stated:
“Wir haben keine Zeit für eine langsame Transformation, es braucht eine friedliche Revolution.”
“We don’t have time for a slow transformation, we need a peaceful revolution.”
But the question is to what extent the Last Generation’s radical protest is an effective way of raising awareness and generating change or whether they endanger public support for the whole environmental movement
MITWIRKENDE
DER WENDEPUNKT
I would like to say Dankeschön to everyone who made this issue possible!
A big thank you to all the Wendepunkt journalists that were involved in the making of this issue - You have done an amazing job!
Aanya Apte (Y11) - Writer
Trisha Sengupta (Y12) - Writer
Kirsten Done (Y12) - Writer
Charlotte Chapman (Y13) - Writer
Fiona Achale (Y11) - Writer
Frau Rachel Fletcher (Head of German) - Editor
Anna Weber (German Language Assistant) - Writer, Editor, Design
If you are interested in joining the Wendepunkt-team, you are very welcome to come along to a meeting - keep an eye out for an email from me, Anna Weber. All you need is an interest in German culture!
DERWENDEPUNKT
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