Germany Beyond the Classroom 2019: The German Democratic Republic

INTRODUCTION

This week's class discussion focused on the elements of society within the German Democratic Republic (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) and how it affected the citizens during and after German Reunification (Deutsche Wiedervereinigung). Perhaps one of the most important concepts that epitomized East German society was the idea of Schein und Sein, fantasy versus reality, and the ways this manifested from economics to art and culture. The GDR as a historical event was one that impacted thousands of lives and played a pivotal role in the global stage. Amongst the topics up for debate was the Socialist Unity Party, the benefits and setbacks of communist ideals, and the restriction of freedom of expression under political pressure.

SCHEIN UND SEIN

THE IMPLICATIONS FOR A COMMUNIST REGIME

This topic, translated as fantasy and reality, makes a definitive appearance in the every day lives of citizens living in East Germany. Under the Socialist Unity Party (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands), every facet of life was under strict control of the German communists, from businesses to art to home life. Everything was nationalized, and privately owned companies were a rarity. This often resulted in poor production quality, economic instability, and political turmoil. To the outside world, East Germans were struggling internally while trying to maintain the facade of an efficient, productive and overall happy society. For example, the wait time to receive a telephone or a Trabant car was around 10 years. In addition, since food supplies were in demand and in short supply, companies resorted to making cheaper and lower quality alternatives. In a more positive light however, health care, transportation and education were universally accessible for every citizen, and an environment of community and fraternization was encouraged.

There is no doubt however, that East Germany was struggling to keep up with the demands of its people as well as the economic prosperity experienced by the West. Not only this, but borders were strictly enforced to ensure no one was crossing and emigrating out of the country. As portrayed by the film Goodbye Lenin!, East and West Germany had its differences, both culturally and politically. What struck me most however, was the idea of fantasy and reality, what Alex Kerner wanted an ideal communist society would be and what it was actually becoming in an effort to shield his mother from another fatal heart attack. I felt it was a moving film because it applied this concept so well and executed it with heart. I feel it is still applicable today, especially the themes on what we envisioned a happier society to be versus what it is in reality. The idea of community was fading and consumer culture was ready to take its place.

The fall of the Berlin Wall was another historic event that was discussed in class and the aftermath of the event was also very important. In today's America, what I see are walls being built, not being torn down. In such a contentious time in American history, we are seeing racial and religious groups being pitted against the other in acts of hatred, violence and bigotry, and this is only exacerbated by sensationalist news hoping to divide and antagonize polarizing ends of a spectrum. Similarly, East and West Berliners held conflicting viewpoints about the other, stereotyping the other and not coming to terms in friendlier ways. These views were still held during German reunification, but the fact that Germany was able to come together was still a good starting point. East and West Germans gradually began to assimilate to the other's ways of life. Although we are seeing the same events happen with walls and divides being made, we can make the effort to find connections across the human race.