Photo: German state broadcaster’s guide
Brilio.net/en - In the words of Outkast, Germany might soon be saying: My intentions were good. Back in October of last year the German government released several programs that would ease the integration of the rapidly increasing newcomers into German societies. The goal was to quickly and easily educate the masses on the history and traditions of the German culture. These efforts included a new guidebook aimed at the few newcomers who speak German; a shorter pamphlet that is available in 13 languages; a phone app that is available in Arabic, Persian and French; a video podcast series featuring helpful hints in English from a young journalist born in Munich to parents who fled Vietnam. However the least successful attempt at integrating the newcomers comes in the form of a 14-panel cartoon that is similar to an airplane safety information card.
The cartoon guide to Germany and Its People posted online in October of last year by the Bavarian arm broadcaster Bayerisher Rundfunk, has been the talk of journalists and commentators of late. Perhaps more than helping foreigners adjust to the German lifestyle, it is telling of how Germans perceive the predominantly Muslim majority moving into their country. Cartoons such as Women are to be respected, no matter what they wear seem to further promote a stigma of Middle Eastern peoples rather than promoting integration.
"Women are to be respected, no matter what they wear." German public TV @ARD_Presse publishes guide for refugees. pic.twitter.com/Jor6PpOp87
Lucian Kim (@Lucian_Kim) January 18, 2016
A Lebanese-British architect took it upon himself to produce his own guide for Western behavior that should be avoided in the Middle East. This included not conducing airstrikes, not invading Iraq, nor furnishing repressive regimes with tear gas and deadly weapons.
While the cartoon seems to have caused uproar, the remaining integration tools have been hailed as extremely useful. Especially the Ankommen app, which means arrival in German. The app features a video series anchored by Henry Lai, a German reporter of Vietnamese ancestry.
Germany has been at the forefront of aiding refugees, with nearly 1.1 million people seeking asylum in the central European country.
Should I cry or laugh? German TV has guide for refugees: Respect women &gays, dont beat kids https://t.co/8r4yquU8uI pic.twitter.com/I1EGuyIisE
Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) January 18, 2016
How are you? Good How's work? So-so. I was in an airline safety guide and now I'm in those guides for refugees. pic.twitter.com/HKFGtZCSTX
Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) January 19, 2016
(Reported by Ivana Lucic)
(brl/tis)
