Permanent exposure in Bautzen: symbol policy or identity foundation?

Permanent exposure in Bautzen: symbol policy or identity foundation?

Bautzen, Deutschland - In a recent vote, the district councils in Bautzen decided to take the struggle for the long-term flag of the schools with the federal, state and Sorbian flag. This happened despite critical voices from the ranks of the CDU and other political groups. District Councilor David Statnik described the measure as a pure symbol policy and advocated that the funds were better invested in schools. His colleague, the former headmaster Karsten Vogt, expressed the wish that the decision about the flags of the flags should be left to the schools in order to enable a discussion on site. But the district administrator rejected this proposal and made it clear that the district as a school authority had to make the decision to ensure a uniform regulation. However, the majority of the district councils saw clear support for identity and cohesion, and decided to carry out this symbolic measure. In Bautzen and Kamenz, the European flag, the state flag, the state flag and the Sorb flag are to blow on the administrative buildings, where four flag masts are available.

Not all citizens: inside see the matter so positively. The Tvbunt network criticized the decision and pointed out that the flags should only represent a sign of identity, while the district has also abolished positions for important social programs. Maren Düsberg, spokeswoman for the network, explained that the measure was presented as a sign of cohesion, but at the same time important responsibilities for the community are swept under the carpet. She fears that the flags are just a deceptive sign to distract from other, possibly more urgent topics. This discussion about flags and values ​​is also important in the federal political context. In a debate at the CDU federal party conference in Leipzig, the student union made the application to flag all schools permanently with national and state flags in order to convey patriotism and the values ​​of the Basic Law.

The voice of the youth

The reactions to the suggestions for permanent flagship are different. Adrian Klant, a representative of the student union, emphasizes that flags are more than mere symbols; They stand for values, homeland and the fundamental cohesion of our society. Deniz Gedik from the Green Youth, on the other hand, sees the entire discussion skeptical and describes it as "nonsense". In their opinion, values ​​by humans and not by flags should be conveyed. It demands increased support in the education system and more commitment to school social work. The exchange between these different views opens up an exciting discussion about patriotism, identity and the role of symbols in our society.

The debate also achieves philosophical dimensions: in George Orwell's essay "About nationalism", which was recently published in German, patriotism is described as a defensive attitude that is characterized by both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is presented as a striving for power. These perspectives invite you to think about the background of these current cultural disputes and to discuss the importance of national symbols in an increasingly globalized world.

In total it can be seen that the discourse on patriotic, identity and the permanent flag of schools in Bautzen and beyond also causes a wide range of opinions. The well -being of schools and teachers as well as the way we live identity and responsibility will be decisive in these discussions for the future.

remains to be seen how the debates will develop about these topics and whether the symbolism of flags can actually produce the desired social values ​​and responsibilities.