In recent years, the image of eastern Germany has changed significantly. With an increasing number of voters for right-wing populist parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the east has often been called a bulwark of the right-wing. However, ex-AfD member Franziska Schreiber has been fighting this cliché since she left the party.
Schreiber notes that the legal situation in eastern Germany is no different than in the west. She explains that it is wrong to call all AfD voters and members Nazis. It is time to rethink and overcome prejudices and stereotypes towards people from the East.
In this article, we take a closer look at the work and statements of Franziska Schreiber and discuss the importance of her work in the fight against racist stereotypes and stereotypical prejudices. We will find out why it is so important to support their message of tolerance and mutual understanding in order to strengthen coexistence in a democratic society.
“They’re not all Nazis in the East” – Schreiber’s statement is an important step in the right direction to overcome the division of the country and to reduce prejudices.
Franziska Schreiber – Who is she?
Franziska Schreiber is a former politician for the Alternative for Germany (AfD). She was born in 1987 in the former GDR and became politically involved at a young age. She was a member of the AfD from 2013 to 2017 and was considered one of the leading figures in the youth organization “Junge Alternative”.
In 2017, Schreiber published the book “Inside AfD: The Report of a Dropout”. In it, she describes her experiences in the party and criticizes the orientation of the AfD, which she felt was drifting further and further to the right. The book caused quite a stir and sparked a heated debate about the AfD’s orientation.
After leaving the AfD, Schreiber is now involved in raising awareness about radicalization in the party and in the right-wing spectrum as a whole. However, she also repeatedly emphasizes that they are a minority and that you should not label all people in East Germany as Nazis. It therefore takes a lot of PR work to correct the image of the right-wing East.
My experiences in the AfD
As a former member of the AfD, I can say from my own experience that there are not only right-wing extremists within the party. However, there are also many members who do not clearly distance themselves from extremist positions or even support them.
Intensive PR work is needed to improve the AfD’s image. It must be made clear that not all AfD members are racist or nationalist. But as long as the party continues to be conspicuous for extremist statements or actions, that will be difficult to do.
I personally withdrew from the AfD because I could no longer identify with many of the party’s positions and statements. The increasing radicalization within the party and the tolerance of extremist currents ultimately led me to drop out.
- In my personal environment, too, I often have to contend with prejudices against the AfD.
- It is important for me to point out that not all members of the party are extremist.
- At the same time, however, the AfD must clearly distance itself from radical positions and make it clear that these have no place in the party.
Reactions to her revelations: Ex-AfD member Franziska Schreiber
Franziska Schreiber’s revelations about her time as a member of the AfD have made waves. The reactions from the political world were varied. While some portrayed her as a traitor and opportunist, others praised her courage and openness. But one thing is clear: the party Schreiber once worked for is now even more in the public eye.
To counter accusations of xenophobia and right-wing extremism, the AfD now has to do a lot of PR work. It must be made clear that this is not a party full of Nazis in the East, but a democratic party with different opinions and tendencies. But it is precisely this disunity and discord that could become a problem for the AfD.
Schreiber’s revelations also have implications for the AfD’s electorate. While some voters might lose their trust in the party, others are strengthened by the confirmation of their prejudices. The AfD must now prove that it is there for all citizens and that it is a real alternative to the established parties. Constructive criticism from former members such as Schreiber can also help to make the party more transparent and credible.
Overall, the reactions to Schreiber’s revelations show that politics and its actors are always in the focus of public attention. Openness and transparency are the most important principles in order to gain the trust of voters. The AfD must now prove that it has internalized these principles and is there for all citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The role of the media in spreading prejudice and education
Former AfD member Franziska Schreiber has revealed in her book “Inside AfD” how right-wing extremist and misanthropic tendencies have been made acceptable within the party. But not all people in eastern Germany sympathize with the AfD out of extremist motives. More importantly, there are also economic, social and cultural reasons why many people are attracted to the party. Here, journalists and the media have an important role to play in educating and breaking down prejudices.
Instead of labeling all people in the East as Nazis, the media should report in a more differentiated way and shed light on the background. They can also draw on experts who are familiar with topics such as populism, right-wing extremism and racism. In addition, portraits of people who have a positive and committed effect on society despite difficult living conditions are a good idea.
- It is important to make it clear to people in the East that the AfD does not offer solutions to their problems, but on the contrary promotes the division of society.
- The media should also report on the consequences of right-wing extremist and racist attacks in order to highlight the danger posed by these tendencies.
Ultimately, the role of the media must be to prevent society from becoming further divided and to help people from different regions and milieus come together and work together for a better future.
Public relations for the East: Conviction instead of prejudice
It is a widespread prejudice that people in the east of Germany are basically right-wing extremists or even neo-Nazis. However, this view is more than a cliché, because it persists in the minds of many people. In order to counter this image, intensive public relations work for the East is necessary.
It is obvious that we cannot improve our society by prejudging some of its members. Instead, we should look at the people in the east, as everywhere else in the country, in the light of their individual abilities and talents. Prejudice based on their origin or place of residence is completely out of place here.
Regardless of whether it is about the East, the West or other regions, it is important to promote a positive attitude and good cooperation. Modern media technology comes to our aid in this regard. For example, we can use targeted online media to promote the importance of diversity and respect.
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Targeted outreach to the East is necessary to overcome prejudice.
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People should be evaluated on the basis of their individual abilities – not on the basis of where they come from or where they live.
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Media technology provides helpful support for a positive attitude and cooperation.
This is how we can promote better togetherness – between East and West, North and South, and among all parts of our wonderful society.