Eyewitness Videos • Right Wing Fears

Sequence 1: Rabe

Where does Pastor Rabe initially point the blame for right-wing tendencies? What is his proposed solution? What happened in Rostock-Lichterhagen? Who was applauding the events that unfolded? Do you agree with Pastor Rabe’s interpretation of the problem and his proposed solution? What do you personally think might have been some reasons why the tragedy in Rostock-Lichterhagen unfolded?

Sequence 2: Steffen

Where does Steffen say there was “especially a lot of violence” early on in Neubrandenburg after the Wende? Why do you think there was so much concentrated in that particular spot? Where does he say things are worse?

Do you get the sense he’s being completely honest? Why do you think he might have some reason for wanting to distort the facts a bit?

Sequence 3: Siegfried

A significant number of xenophobic crimes were reported in Eastern Germany, and in particular in the northern regions, during the first several years after the Wende. However, Siegfried does not think his city is any different from any other city in Germany? What do you think is motivating this statement? What does Siegfried say makes xenophobia a lot more noticeable in the East? What kinds of foreigners does he say East Germans were used to seeing during GDR times? What unemployment number does Siegfried cite for his region of the country? What factor does Siegfried say might, for some people, seem to justify extremist violence? How do you react to Siegfried and, for that matter, the others who are being interviewed on right-wing extremist issues? Do they seem to be in denial, deeply embarrassed, pained, oblivious to the problem, or something else?

Sequence 4: Laila

What does Laila say about her experience as a long-time foreigner in Eastern Germany? To which other situation does she draw a parallel? What does she say about Germans and their Nazi past? What does she feel that people in Germany need to do? What are her feelings about the younger generation in Germany? Do you think her general attitude is pragmatic, naïve, forgiving, ambivalent, or something else?