Outrage around Udo Lindenberg: Oberindianer remains silent in the Humboldt Forum!

Outrage around Udo Lindenberg: Oberindianer remains silent in the Humboldt Forum!

Humboldt-Forum, Berlin, Deutschland - nag/nag editors -

A storm of indignation is brewed! At an upcoming choir festival in the renowned Humboldt Forum in Berlin, Udo Lindenberg's cult song "Special train to Pankow" is not listed in its original form. Instead, the word "Oberindianer", which refers to the former GDR head of state Erich Honecker, is deleted from the text. This happens at the express wish of the participating choirs, which does not feel comfortable with the term because it is perceived as discriminatory. As world Choirs decided to sing a "upper" with a long "i" instead.

The event takes place on November 16 and 17, 2024 and promises a diverse musical experience. Eight Berlin choirs will occur under the motto "Muddly 2024". But the stone of the kick -off is clearly Lindenberg's hit from 1983, which dreams of a concert visit to the GDR. The text, which was once a satirical-critical, is now considered problematic. The Zeit reported that the discussion about discriminatory language in society was again is.

a word that waves

The decision not to sing the word "Oberindianer" triggered a wave of outrage. Bundestag Vice President Wolfgang Kubicki described the not singing as "culturalless", while the former Stasi memorial head Hubertus Knabe criticized the Humboldt Forum as "left-wing radical sect". Udo Lindenberg himself has not yet commented on the controversy, which fuels speculation about his opinion.

The choirs that take part in the performance have decided in an open discussion to miss the word. A spokesman said that many singers find the term discriminatory and that this view had to be taken seriously. "The word is perceived as discriminatory and racist by many indigenous people, but also by many of our national and international visitors," said the official reason.

The historical context

The debate about discriminatory language is not new. It was discussed two years ago whether white people are allowed to dress up as an Indian or whether Winnetou films are still up to date. The current discussion shows that society deals more sensitively with such topics. The Humboldt Forum Foundation emphasizes that it strives for a respectful exchange and equality of all people in their diversity

The decision not to use the word "Oberindianer" is viewed by many as a necessary step towards a more respectful language. Experts indicate that the term “Indian” symbolizes a painful history of oppression and colonization. Politically correct alternatives such as "indigenous" or "indigenous people" are now widespread.

The performance of "Special train to Pankow" will not only be a musical event, but also a reflection of the current social debates about language and identity. The question remains how far the sensitivity should go against language and where the border between art and political correctness runs. The Humboldt Forum will certainly be the focus of attention when the choirs are on stage on November 16 and 17, 2024.