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Hansel and Gretel reinterpreted: Murat and Aische in criticism!
Excitement at the IGS Peine: A new version of “Hansel and Gretel” sparks discussions about migration and racism.
Hansel and Gretel reinterpreted: Murat and Aische in criticism!
Excitement at IGS Peine: A new song about “Murat and Aische” is causing lively discussions that extend far beyond the school boundaries. A modified version of the traditional children's song “Hansel and Gretel” is sung in neighborhood German, which is not well received by many students. “Through the forest, looking for the correct firewood” – these lines do not meet with the approval of the students, who find this implementation unfunny and shameful.
The mood is tense, especially among high school students who feel uncomfortable engaging with the text. Such current debates about migration and its influence on the German language are not new, but in this case the topic is particularly controversial. Students with a migrant background find the content clichéd, which has fueled accusations of racism. News38 reports that the school and the responsible authority defend the text as part of a school German textbook in order to introduce the students to linguistic diversity.
A provocative reflection
The State Office for Schools and Education is convinced of the approach of making the text provocative in order to make social power relations and linguistic differences visible. Nevertheless, there is legitimate criticism from the students themselves who are missing a more sensitive reflection on the topic. According to News38 The State Student Council emphasizes that satire should question social problems, but should not come at the expense of certain groups.
The discussion has already gone beyond the school walls and makes it clear that the question of the representation of migrant backgrounds in art and education is more relevant than ever. At a time when diversity is very important, it is even more important to deal with cultural issues sensitively. A teacher from Peine recognizes the need to rethink the use of “neighborhood German” and to include basic questions of social diversity in lessons. What will happen next? That remains to be seen, but the students affected agree: there is still room for improvement.