"I too am Germany"
The Internet campaign #AuchichbinDeutschland (#ITooAmGermany) is all about taking a stand against racism. The photo blog was launched by a group of people who have received grants from the Deutschlandstiftung Integration, a foundation that promotes equal opportunities for people with a migration background in Germany.
Anastasia M. from Mannheim. Her sign reads: "My name might not sound like it, but #ITooAmGermany." #AuchichbinDeutschland (#ITooAmGermany) seeks to highlight the fact that many people who were born or grew up in Germany are not seen as "German" by parts of society either because they look "different" or their names sound foreign.
Ati and Markus from Nuremberg. Their sign reads: "No, we didn't meet on holidays." The blog has been running on social media since the middle of April. Users are called on to post images of themselves holding up signs with hand-written messages that sum up the difficulties and/or prejudices they face in their everyday lives.
Farah A. from Mannheim. Her sign reads: "Yes, but you are an exception to the rule." The online project was inspired by the photo campaign #ITooAmHarvard which sought to highlight discrimination against black students at the world-famous Harvard University.
Kübra Y. from Friedrichshafen. Her sign reads: "No, I am not going to be forced into marriage ;-) " One of the aims of #AuchichbinDeutschland is to highlight the fact that Germany and the notion of what constitutes "being German" has changed and continues to change, and that widely held notions of what it means to be German no longer reflect the demographic reality of the country.
Zuher J. from Marburg. His sign reads: "Are you religious?" "We want to trigger a public debate about everyday racism and what it means to be German," says Narod Cahsai, campaign co-ordinator, who is quick to point out that the aim is not to lecture people.
Sarah A. from Berlin. Her sign reads: "Q: Are you flying home for the summer holidays? A: Eh?! THIS is my home!!" #AuchichbinDeutschland is not restricted to students. "Anyone who can relate to this issue can get involved," says Narod Cahsai.
Victoria C. from Berlin. Her sign reads: "ME: My father comes from Uruguay. HIM: What? From Africa?!? But you're not black!" So far, universities in Berlin, Friedrichshafen and Mannheim have taken part. Other university cities such as Aachen and Cologne are set to follow soon.
