zeit.de
Berlin Renames 16 Streets, Addressing Colonial and Nazi Pasts
Over the past six years, Berlin has renamed at least 16 streets or squares; half were due to colonialist, racist, antisemitic, or Nazi ties of the namesakes, while others honored individuals or reduced duplicate names, with Mitte having the most changes (four).
- How does the process of street renaming in Berlin unfold, including political deliberations, name selection, potential legal challenges, and the impact on residents?
- The renamings reflect a broader societal reckoning with Germany's colonial past and problematic historical figures. Specific examples include replacing Wissmannstraße with Lucy-Lameck-Straße in Neukölln and Lüderitzstraße with Cornelius-Fredericks-Straße in Mitte. These changes address the complicity of past namesakes in colonial atrocities.
- What are the primary reasons for the numerous street and square renamings in Berlin in recent years, and what are the most significant consequences of these actions?
- In Berlin, at least 16 streets or squares have been renamed in the past six years, with half due to colonialist, racist, antisemitic, or Nazi-related pasts of the namesakes. Other renamings honored individuals or reduced duplicate street names. Most changes occurred in Mitte (four), followed by Neukölln and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (three each).
- What are the broader implications of Berlin's street renaming initiatives, and what potential future trends can be anticipated regarding public discourse on historical figures and symbols?
- Ongoing debates about renaming streets like Berlin's Mohrenstraße highlight the complex process and potential for legal challenges. Future changes will likely involve similar considerations of historical figures' problematic legacies, suggesting a continued trend of reevaluating public spaces' symbolic meaning.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story around the number of street name changes and the bureaucratic process involved. While it mentions the reasons for the changes, the focus on logistics might overshadow the significance of addressing historical injustices. The headline emphasizes the quantity of changes rather than their deeper implications.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article avoids inflammatory language. The terms "problematic" or "negatively loaded" are used to describe names, and could be considered slightly loaded themselves, but remain fairly neutral.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the process and politics of street renaming in Berlin, with less emphasis on the historical context of the individuals whose names were removed. While it mentions colonial crimes and antisemitic views, deeper analysis of the specific actions and their impact is missing. The motivations for renaming are summarized, but lacking in detail for some cases.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between renaming streets for reasons of historical accuracy/removing problematic names and renaming for other reasons (e.g., honoring individuals). The reality is more nuanced; many renaming decisions likely involve multiple considerations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The renaming of streets in Berlin addresses historical injustices and colonial legacies, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive urban environment. By removing names associated with colonialism, racism, and antisemitism, the city actively works towards dismantling systemic inequalities and promoting reconciliation. The choice of new names, often honoring individuals who fought against oppression or made significant contributions to society, further reinforces this commitment to equity.