German Students in the Minority
When Muslim Children Call the Shots
Sometimes they are taunted, at times even beaten. No one speaks to them in class, so they become withdrawn, rarely sharing their views – in short, they are not integrated into their schools. These are not immigrant children at German schools, but instead German students at German “Hauptschulen† (secondary schools with lower admissions requirements then Gymnasia), which are now becoming flashpoints of social conflict.
“It’s not that they are threatened daily with knives…, but there’s no question: the children with immigration backgrounds are in charge,† says the school’s principal. “Don't talk to him, he's only a German,† is the popular refrain, one heard by teachers as well. “During Ramadan, we’re in a state of siege. The last time, things went so far that they were spitting in our food,† reports an instructor in home economics. “You’re always hearing about discrimination against foreigners, but here things are just the reverse.†
The German children respond either with aggressivity or excessive conformity. Annika, aged 17, has adopted the worldview of her Lebanese schoolmates, and refers to herself as a Muslim. This means no sex, no parties, and no contact with boys. Teachers attempt to maintain order, insisting upon adherence to German rules and laws. On the other hand, the school administration attempts to offer native language instruction to the Lebanese children - but the necessary resources are limited.
Highlighted in this documentary are situations of understanding and the lack thereof as they occur in the classroom. We accompany teachers during their difficult work at this flashpoint of social conflict, and talk with students about their ideas and their experiences. Found at the center of this filmic investigation are 2-3 German students who share with us their views of the situation.
