Ossis, Wessis, and the Ausl?nder: Moving Beyond Labels and Stereotypes

For those unfamiliar with Germany's unique social landscape, the terms Ossis, Wessis, and Ausl?nder might sound like just words, but they carry deep-rooted meanings- and even stereotypes that have shaped interactions within the country for decades.

• Ossis refers to people from the former East Germany (GDR). After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent reunification of Germany in 1990, the term became a common way to distinguish those from the east, who had lived under a communist regime, from their western counterparts.
• Wessis refers to people from the former West Germany (FRG). They grew up in a capitalist democracy, often seen as more prosperous and modern compared to the east.
• Ausl?nder is the German word for "foreigner." It typically refers to immigrants or people with a migration background. While it simply means "someone from another country," it often carries connotations of being an outsider, someone who doesn’t fully belong.

These words, however, are more than just descriptors. They come with a set of stereotypes and, unfortunately, can be used in derogatory ways. A particularly harsh example is the addition of "Sche!?" (a vulgar term meaning "sh!t") before these words- Sche!? Ossi, Sche!? Wessi, and Sche!? Ausl?nder. These terms are not only offensive but also reflect the deep-seated divisions and prejudices that can exist in German society.

The Unfairness of a Delayed Recognition of Multiculturalism

Germany’s struggle with accepting its multicultural reality goes back decades. After World War II, the country invited guest workers from Turkey, Italy, and other countries to help rebuild its economy. However, these workers were never truly seen as potential future Germans- they were expected to work for a time and then return to their home countries. This short-sighted approach delayed Germany’s recognition of itself as a country of immigration and contributed to a lack of early integration policies.

For many years, German citizenship laws were based on jus sanguinis (right of blood), making it difficult for immigrants and their descendants to acquire citizenship, even if they were born and raised in Germany. This legal framework reinforced a sense of exclusion and "otherness" for many immigrants, making it harder for them to feel like they truly belonged. This delayed recognition of multiculturalism has had long-lasting effects on how immigrants are perceived and treated in German society.

Economic and The Ongoing Struggles

Immigrants in Germany often face significant challenges in the labor market. Despite their qualifications and skills, they are more likely to encounter discrimination, resulting in higher unemployment rates and lower wages compared to native Germans. This is particularly true for immigrants from non-European backgrounds, who face structural discrimination that limits their opportunities for upward mobility and contributes to economic inequality.

The German education system, which has been criticized for reinforcing social stratification, often places children of immigrants at a disadvantage. These children are more likely to be tracked into lower-tier schools, limiting their future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of inequality. Language barriers and a lack of support in schools further exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for the next generation of immigrants to break out of the constraints imposed on them.

Social Exclusion and The Pain of Not Belonging

Even for those who have lived in Germany for years, or even generations, being accepted as fully German can be an uphill battle. Many immigrants and their descendants find themselves facing cultural and social barriers that make it difficult to integrate. Despite their efforts to adapt, they are often seen as perpetual "outsiders," which creates feelings of exclusion and alienation.

A personal experience illustrates this challenge clearly. Last year, while taking a flight with my wife and a few family members to Denmark, I was "randomly" selected for additional screening at the German border. My family members, who have German names, passed through without issue, but I was stopped. The officer searched everything and told me I was "too stupid" to remember to empty my pockets, as I had left my ticket in there. What seemed like a trivial matter quickly escalated into a tense situation with probing questions about where we were coming from, why we were leaving Germany, and more. When I tried to lighten the mood with a joke about returning to pay my taxes, it only made things worse. The officer sternly warned me to "behave" next time before letting me go.

Interestingly, while going through the x-ray machine at the Danish border, I also kept my ticket in my pocket, but it didn't cause any problems there. The difference in treatment was striking.

On our return from Copenhagen to Berlin, the experience was entirely different. The officer checking my passport smiled and greeted me with a friendly "Guten Tag," asking how my trip to Denmark was. She didn't see me as a foreigner; in fact, she later asked in English if I was Persian by any chance. When I confirmed, she switched to Persian herself and said she had noticed from my name. It was a small gesture, but it made a big difference. As we conversed, people around us were patiently waiting, some even smiling as they overheard our conversation. Yet, it is disheartening to feel like a foreigner in the country I have chosen as my home.

Unequal Treatment of Refugees

The 2015 refugee crisis brought these issues into sharp focus. While Germany initially welcomed refugees with a wave of solidarity, deep societal divisions soon became apparent. Refugees, particularly those from Muslim-majority countries, faced significant resistance and hostility. Integration policies, while well-intentioned, were often insufficient to meet the needs of such a large and diverse group, leading to unequal treatment and opportunities.

Many refugees also face challenges in accessing adequate housing, education, and social services. They are sometimes housed in isolated or overcrowded facilities, which hinders their integration and perpetuates social exclusion. This unequal treatment highlights the ongoing struggles faced by immigrants and their families in a country that still grapples with fully embracing its multicultural reality.

The Lack of Representation: Voices Unheard

Another key issue is the lack of representation for immigrants and their descendants in political institutions, the media, and other areas of public life. This underrepresentation means that the voices of immigrants are often not heard, and their experiences and needs are not fully addressed. As a result, policies and societal narratives can fail to reflect the diverse reality of modern Germany, further entrenching feelings of exclusion.

A Fair Chance

This is a critical moment for Germany, regardless of what we call each other- Ossis, Wessis, or Ausl?nder. The situation is complex, but it is essential to share these thoughts, especially with my Ossi and Wessi friends- who, to me, are simply "Germans," for obvious reasons. In fact, I don’t even pay attention to the fact that they are German; my friends are just my friends. I recognize them by their names, not by where they were born. I don’t have "German friends" or "Iranian friends." I just have friends.

This is a time when Germany can embrace its diverse population and ask people with immigration backgrounds to take more significant steps into society- not just in terms of working and paying taxes, but also in terms of contributing to the national conversation.

It’s time to ask immigrants what they think and involve them in discussions about the future of this country. If the AfD or any extremist wins, people with an immigration background don’t just blame the east. It’s time to invite this group to the conversation, to ask for their opinions and solutions. This is not the time to divide even more.

But if the East-West divide still exists in the minds of many, how can someone with an immigration background enter the conversation if the rest is not ready yet? This question highlights the deeper challenge: building a bridge not only across the East and West but also extending that bridge to include those from different backgrounds who call Germany home. It’s a challenge that requires willingness from all sides to engage and move forward together.

At the end of the day, if immigrants are seen as one of the biggest challenges facing Germany, it’s crucial to bring them into the conversation and hear their side of the story too.

Unity isn’t just about eliminating divisions between Ossis and Wessis- it’s about creating a Germany where everyone, including the Ausl?nder, feels heard, valued, and part of the community. This vision of a unified Germany isn’t just a possibility, it’s something we must work towards for the country to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.