taz.de
Omas gegen Rechts": 40,000-Member Movement Combats German Far-Right
The German grassroots movement "Omas gegen Rechts" (Grandmas against the Right), founded in 2017, now boasts approximately 40,000 members actively countering right-wing extremism through various initiatives, facing both significant support and backlash, notably a CDU/CSU inquiry resulting in both hate mail and increased membership.
- What is the impact of the "Omas gegen Rechts" movement on the fight against right-wing extremism in Germany?
- The "Omas gegen Rechts" (Grandmas against the Right) movement, founded in 2017, has grown to approximately 40,000 members, actively combating right-wing extremism in Germany. Their efforts include protests, community events, and collaborations, highlighting the increasing concern over the rise of far-right ideologies.
- How has the CDU/CSU inquiry affected the "Omas gegen Rechts" movement, and what are the broader implications for civil society organizations?
- The movement's success is evident in its expansion and impact, but also in the backlash it faces. A CDU/CSU inquiry questioning their neutrality led to a surge in hate mail, yet also increased membership applications, illustrating the polarizing nature of their activism.
- What strategies can the "Omas gegen Rechts" movement employ to effectively engage younger generations and counter the appeal of right-wing ideologies?
- The "Omas gegen Rechts" movement's future success hinges on navigating the challenges of maintaining neutrality while effectively countering the far-right's influence. Their ability to adapt their strategies, manage public perception, and engage younger generations will be crucial in sustaining their impact.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative heavily emphasizes the positive aspects of 'Omas gegen Rechts', portraying them as a unified, effective, and inspiring movement. The challenges faced by the organization are mentioned but are given less prominence than the successes and inspiring stories of individual members. The headline (if one existed) would likely further reinforce this positive framing. The selection of quotes and anecdotes further reinforces this positive framing.
Language Bias
The article uses overwhelmingly positive and admiring language to describe Christiane Lähnemann and Jutta Shaikh and their activities. Terms like "bodenständig" (down-to-earth), "Zuversicht" (confidence), and "Löwenmutter" (lioness mother) are used to evoke strong positive emotions. While descriptive, these choices are not strictly neutral and could influence reader perception. The description of the AfD as "the enemy" is also a loaded term.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the activities and perspectives of Christiane Lähnemann and Jutta Shaikh, offering a limited view of the broader 'Omas gegen Rechts' movement. Other prominent figures or regional variations within the organization are not highlighted, potentially overlooking diverse viewpoints and experiences within the movement itself. The article also omits discussion of potential criticisms or internal conflicts within 'Omas gegen Rechts'.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy between 'Omas gegen Rechts' and the AfD, framing them as opposing forces. While the AfD's rise is mentioned as a concern, the article doesn't explore the nuances of political landscapes in Saxony-Anhalt or the complexities of public opinion towards the AfD. This simplified framing might overemphasize the conflict and neglect other political actors or influencing factors.
Gender Bias
While the article focuses on two women, it doesn't explicitly analyze gender bias within 'Omas gegen Rechts' or broader societal issues. The article doesn't examine if the movement's structure or activities disproportionately favor women or if gender plays a role in the challenges they face. Further investigation would be needed to assess this aspect.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the activities of "Omas gegen Rechts" (Grandmas against the Right), a grassroots movement actively combating the rise of right-wing extremism and promoting democratic values in Germany. Their efforts directly contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering peace by countering hate speech, promoting tolerance, and engaging in civic participation. The group's growth and impact demonstrate a positive contribution to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).