Neubrandenburg: returnees are fighting skepticism and prejudices!

Neubrandenburg: returnees are fighting skepticism and prejudices!

In recent years, the topic around the return to the roots and the integration of newcomers in Germany has become increasingly important. Let us consider the experience of an author who moves back to Neubrandenburg after 20 years of absence and the associated challenges.

The author mentions in his column, which he wants to publish under the label "nordkurier.de" that he deals with skepticism that hits the many newcomers here. It is particularly noteworthy that this handling of immigrants is strongly shaped by the experience of the past. The mentality often seems to be colored through experiences from the GDR period, which results in a certain locking towards "strangers". Even returnees often have to clarify their origin in order to find acceptance and integration. This raises the question of whether the prejudices are limited to regionality or whether there are social problems that should be addressed. The author's observations regarding the different openness and communication culture in the region are particularly informative.

prejudices and their effects

How positive, there are also critical experiences that the author would like to address in his future columns. His view of the trivialities that are discussed in the region reveals the difficulties that many people have when it comes to talking openly about their concerns. While the author appreciates positive experiences, the fears and prejudices that prevail in many conversations raise questions about social integration.

Another example of the challenges of integration is the situation of refugees in Germany, especially in regions such as Baden-Württemberg. Here Yannick Dillinger, head of the Swabian newspaper's digital editorial team, reports that there is no lack of emotional and often defamatory debates. In order to counteract these prejudices, the editorial team has developed a dossier that provides facts and figures on the reality of life of refugees. Skepticism among the population is also questioned by careful data research and interactive graphics and lifted to a factual level. This initiative not only reacts in the region, but also the discourse on the topic, which ensures better education and communication.

integration and their challenges

Apart from returning to Neubrandenburg, the integration of migrants and refugees in larger cities such as Berlin-Neukölln is another important topic. In administrative districts like this, the proportion of migration is considerable. About 80% of adolescents under the age of 18 live here in families with immigration history. Integration is also difficult by social challenges: high unemployment figures and the lack of educational opportunities are increasing. However, education is recognized as the key to integration, and further efforts must be made to reduce these barriers.

Jürgen Schmeichler, head of a children's and youth center in Neukölln, describes the difficulties of young people who often have to deal with the expectations of their conservative families. The exchange of experiences and education must go hand in hand in order to promote potential for the dashing of these young people and to offer market opportunities. The debate about the reasons and ways of integration was never as important as today. What can be read out of all these stories and experiences is that the open discussions about migration, origin and acceptance are not only of great importance in Neubrandenburg, but throughout Germany and that progress in integration depends on both society and newcomers themselves.