This news article, written in 2010, focuses on the rising number of immigrants in Germany. However, a large number of these immigrants are unable to integrate into mainstream society, and there is a growing anti-immigration trend. Economist Sarrazin published a book criticizing the influx of immigrants and the number of non-German children being born in Germany. He claims that the influx of immigrants is causing Germany to become less advanced biologically, culturally, and professionally. Recent polls found that many Germans favor heavy restrictions on Muslim religious practices, and “a third [of the population] think the country is overrun with foreigners.” Many of the immigrants are not integrated into German society, and Germany could benefit from their professional skills.There are individuals who recognize that Germany is becoming an immigration state, and they are advocating for immigrant integration into German society. Rather than force assimilation or limit immigration, Germany needs to integrate immigrants into their society to reap maximum economic benefits. It is alarming that anti-immigrant feelings are becoming so strong in Germany, particularly because of German’s historical views on German supremacy. Sarrazin paints non-Germans as unintelligent and draining the resources of the German people, which is a dangerous precedent. Racial and ethnic hierarchies create civil unrest and discontent, which is far more destructive than immigrants.
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The prejudice of many Germans against immigrants is especially surprising when one considers how careful Germany usually is to avoid anything that could harken back to the Holocaust. For example, it is illegal to display a swastika or deny the Holocaust occurred in Germany, while both of these actions are protected under the banner of “free speech” in the U.S. I agreed with the position that the author of this article took, that Germany’s leaders need to advocate for “give and take” between German citizens and immigrants; such advocacy is necessary in any country with a high immigrant population, but it is especially essential in a country with the dark history that Germany has.
I think there is a growing split forming here, but I don’t think this split is exclusive to just Germany. In recent years there has been a rise of, at worst, animosity, and at best, suspicion towards those of Middle Eastern origin. I cannot say that this suspicion has never existed before (take the Greco-Persian conflicts as an example), but it is a growing problem. I believe that we should all be striving for integration, but I fear that the opposing side may gain more power, and we might see a repeat of the events that happened during WWII.
In regards to the first comment, I completely agree. It seems odd that Germany would feel this way towards immigrants, especially considering the Holocaust and how they tend to “avoid anything that could be taken back to the Holocaust.” While this does not compare to the Holocaust and their outrage towards the Jewish community, I feel as though Germany would be more willing to accept immigrants due to the Holocaust and the negative repercussions they faced because of it.