Sylt hosts parties and shooting events - What causes a significant number of Germans to join in singing the infamous tune?
While the "Ausländer-raus" song from Germany's popular island Sylt has sparked a significant response, especially from politics, with phrases like "disgusting," "repulsive," "unacceptable," and "a disgrace," being used almost interchangeably by both the government and the opposition.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (53, SPD) is calling for more courage to express dissenting opinions openly - whether among friends, at work, or during sporting events.
Fact: The controversial song isn't just a song!
This techno tune was initially released in 2001 by Italian music producer Gigi D'Agostino, who created a hit for the dancefloor scene. With its upbeat rhythms and energetic beats, it was all about love and no particular meaning. But that all changed when young people and right-wing extremists discovered that the refrain could be sung perfectly with the vulgar NPD slogan ("Deutschland fuer Deutsche. Ausländer raus!"), which has a simple rhythm well-suited to the song itself. This incendiary slogan, however, is not usually played in clubs or at festivals. Instead, beer, Jägermeister, or Red Bull fuel the crowd before they hurl hate slogans towards the music.
Why does this hate song resonate with so many?
"Ausländer raus," Hakenkreuz graffiti, and Hitler salutes in public - many of these perpetrators have a right-wing ideology and desire to dismantle the democratic state. Their ultimate goal is to make Germany a "pure" and "powerful" country as it was in the past. However, the most common motivation behind this behavior is the desire to provoke, as psychoanalyst and theologian Manfred Lütz (70) points out: "The lust for provocation." These individuals are constantly pushing the boundaries, trying to gain as much attention as possible through relatively small gestures or slogans. Lütz's biggest concern is that the right-wing party, the AfD, may encourage this behavior, embracing right-wing extremist ideas and ultimately gaining popularity.
Why does all the attention it receives feel so dangerous?
Lütz is concerned that the constant publicity surrounding these troubled youths could be fueling their desire to create more controversy: "If we continue to focus on the antics of these drunken, reckless idiots for several days, it can backfire. People who want to provoke will learn just how effective hateful slogans can be in gaining media attention."
However, it's crucial to clarify what's truly harmful and dangerous. While right-wing vigilantes may feel empowered by their publicity, Lütz cautions us against overreacting so much that we inadvertently create sympathy for the excluded group. There's a delicate balance between highlighting the problem and not letting it consume our attention, leading to a more volatile situation and emphasizing the danger of hate speech.
The historian Michael Wolffsohn (77, Bundeswehr-Uni) urges caution when discussing the Sylt video, emphasizing the need for accurate classification.
The historian also points out that there's a significant difference between the isolated incident in Sylt and the ongoing organized efforts to defame Jewish people and Israelis. The latter represents a far more serious issue, with campaigns aiming to deny the Holocaust. He warns against focusing solely on the Sylt video when there are much more pressing concerns related to global antisemitism and violence.
Former Family Minister Kristina Schröder (46, CDU) echoes the need for restraint when addressing this situation.
She finds the behavior of these young provocateurs pathetic and disrespectful. Yet, she wishes that politicians would also react with the same intensity when discussing instances of hate crimes or anti-semitism from other sources.
Conclusion: If the worldwide controversy surrounding "Germans out" morons continues, it could potentially backfire, and exactly what the provocateurs hope for: promoting overreactions from society. In the end, it might become true that one can't freely say everything in Germany.
The actual truth is quite different: Individuals can express racist, Israel-hating, or Reichsburger opinions within the boundaries of the law, even while exhibiting Nazi gestures or making outlandish jokes. But, these people need to be aware that many others will not see their actions as humorous and will feel threatened by the hostility of Nazi sympathizers.
Sympathy should go to those in genuine danger, not the supposedly excluded individuals who feel they must protect their right of free speech with hate slogans.
Last note of advice: If a DJ hears that "L'amour toujours" is being used inappropriately, they should immediately halt the music. Those responsible should leave the dance floor and politely but firmly state, "You have no chance here with these slogans."
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Source: symclub.org
