Homeland: “I am sometimes ashamed of this in Germany”

Marlene and Lilu, what comes to mind first about the word “Germany”? (Long reflection) Lilu: I remember the word "rights." Children's rights and women's rights. What is German about these rights? Marlene: In other countries, women and children are not treated as they should be treated: the same. It seems to me very abstract. What exactly do you mean by “women’s rights”? Lilu: That women can work in Germany. Marlene: Women are equal. Lilu: Well, they should be equal. But women don’t get as much money as men. And they are mostly at home with the children, the men earn the money, and the women work on parental leave. I think that is a pity. If you have a family, how do you want to do it? Marlene: I want us both to work. So no children? Marlene: Yes, of course! And who will take care of the children? Lilu: Maybe a year me and then a year my husband. Marlene: We both do that. My mother and father work too, and I still have two siblings. Lilu: But if the child is very small? Marlene: Oh, then I go on parental leave. And we take turns. Also on the budget? Both clean, both cook? Lilu: So if my later husband would not do that, I would be angry. Is there anything German you are proud of? Marlene: I think it is very nice that there are so many people here. And that most people are not alone. Is there anything you are ashamed of? Marlene: Sometimes at the station people are drunk and can no longer control themselves. They don’t have a home and they ruin themselves by drinking and smoking and wanting to feel better. But that doesn't really make it better, it just feels like that. Sometimes I am ashamed of that. You are ashamed because people get a bad impression of Germany? Marlene (thinks): No ... I am actually ashamed of myself. I do not understand why. It is not you who drinks and no longer controls yourself. Is it shame that you feel, or rather a discomfort? Marlene: No, discomfort does not fit right. It is rather ashamed. I don't feel so good then. I’m just ashamed that these people don’t have a real home. I know it is no different in other countries. But that does not make the problem better here in Germany. Now I understand: You are ashamed that Germany is not helping them better. Yes, exactly. Are there other things you are ashamed of in Germany? Marlene: That pejorative things are said to people of a different skin color. That's just outrageous and not nice. Do you know anyone who has experienced this? Marlene: No, but I was in such a course, we watched a film: Two actors have treated a third with dark skin in the subway badly. It was just playing. But they looked at how other people reacted to it. And half the people were just scared and didn’t say anything about the insults. Okay, but that was just playing. Have you ever experienced a similar situation? Lilu: In 6th grade, I had two girls with dark skin in my class, and I was friends with them too. At the break, older boys came and insulted them, swear words said. Can you remember what they said? Lilu (hesitates): Stop Negroes and all that. Then we told our teacher. How did the girls react? Lilu: You have said that you have experienced this many times. I find that very sad. How did the teacher handle it? Lilu: Our teacher said she takes care of it. But somehow what's happening isn't right. The girls were still insulted? Lilu: Not that. But the boys got no punishment. Maybe there was an apology? Marlene: No, certainly not. So, I wasn't there, but... ...but still that's so clear to you? I find that interesting, because at the beginning you said that Germany is just. Now you are talking about an injustice that seems self-evident to you. Marlene: They don’t get a real punishment. And think it's okay how they behave. They think they did everything right. Lilu: Yes, they even find it funny. They also laughed when they insulted the girls. Marlene: I think even if it is only a small thing, you should punish the perpetrators immediately. How should the boys have been punished? Marlene: You would have had to threaten him to fly from school if that happened again. Do you think Germany is a strong country? (Both nods) What is strong about Germany? Lilu: So it depends on how “strong” is meant. Strong in war or strong from cohabitation. Both, I am interested in all your associations. Is it strong in war? Lilu: I think Germany can produce good weapons. Marlene: My mother said that the car industry will eventually only produce weapons. Because all cars will soon be made by China, which are better and not so expensive. Therefore, yes, Germany is strong in the war. What about cohesion? Marlene: This way, this way. On a scale of 1 to 10, I say 7. Lilu: We just talked about racism, Germany is not so strong. What I think is good is that many people from other countries can live here with us. Would you say that migration makes Germany stronger or weaker? Marlene: What is migration? Sorry, that means migration, for example immigration to another country. You think it is good that many people come here, at the same time you say that there are Germans who are racist. So it strengthens cohesion in Germany when many different people..