taz.de
Colorido Evicted from Plauen Train Station Amidst Rise of Far-Right Activity
The anti-fascist group Colorido was evicted from its space in Plauen train station on Friday, ending its cultural activities, after the Deutsche Bahn demanded €800 monthly rent and cited alleged rule violations. The space is now reportedly being used by a neo-Nazi group.
- What role did the Deutsche Bahn play in Colorido's eviction, and what are the underlying reasons behind their decision, beyond the stated reasons?
- Colorido's eviction follows a pattern of challenges faced by anti-fascist organizations in Plauen, a city with a significant far-right presence, including a local branch of the 'Third Way' neo-Nazi party and a strong showing by the AfD. The DB's actions are criticized for undermining community engagement and democratic values. The lack of support from regional politics, despite Colorido receiving national awards, highlights this issue.
- What are the immediate consequences of Colorido's eviction from Plauen train station, and what does this signify about the broader political climate in the city?
- In Plauen, Germany, the Colorido association, an anti-fascist group, was evicted from its space in the main train station on Friday, ending its cultural events there. The Deutsche Bahn (DB), which owned the space, initially allowed free use but later demanded €800 monthly rent, a request Colorido could meet but was ultimately rejected by DB, citing alleged rule infractions that Colorido denies.
- What are the long-term implications of Colorido's removal for the fight against far-right extremism in Plauen, and what measures could be taken to mitigate the negative impact?
- The DB's decision leaves a void in Plauen's cultural scene, particularly given the scarcity of similar venues. The vacated space is now being occupied by a group of young neo-Nazis ('Vogtland Revolte'), highlighting the potential for the space to be used for counter-democratic activities. This incident underscores the importance of supporting anti-fascist organizations and fostering inclusive community spaces to counter the rise of extremism.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs immediately highlight the eviction of Colorido, framing it as a negative event. The article consistently uses language that portrays Colorido's activities positively and the DB's actions negatively. The inclusion of the 'Vogtland Revolte' towards the end further emphasizes the negative consequences of Colorido's removal.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "unbequem" (uncomfortable), "abgeblockt" (blocked off), and "vorgeschoben" (pretext) when describing the DB's actions. These terms convey a negative connotation. Neutral alternatives could include 'difficult', 'rejected', and 'reasons given'. The repeated emphasis on Colorido's positive activities and the DB's lack of response further contributes to a biased tone.
Bias by Omission
The article omits details about the specific "guidelines" Colorido allegedly didn't follow, hindering a complete understanding of the DB's decision. It also doesn't elaborate on the DB's "new idea" for the space, leaving the reader with uncertainty about future use. The article mentions the 'Vogtland Revolte' but lacks details on the scale of their activities or the DB's response to their presence.
False Dichotomy
The article implies a false dichotomy between a 'neutral' organization and one actively combating right-wing extremism, suggesting that Colorido's activism is the reason for the eviction. This overlooks the possibility of other factors contributing to the DB's decision.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on Doritta Kolb-Unglaub's perspective and experiences. While this is understandable given her central role, a more balanced perspective could include other voices from Colorido or the DB to avoid centering the narrative solely around a woman.
Sustainable Development Goals
The eviction of Colorido, a group actively combating neo-Nazism, from Plauen train station creates a void in the fight against extremism and strengthens the presence of far-right groups. The lack of support from Deutsche Bahn and local politics further undermines efforts towards a democratic and inclusive society. This directly impacts the ability of civil society to counter hate speech and promote tolerance, crucial aspects of SDG 16.