Ostalgie and Action Items
Growing up in the German Democratic Republic (DDR), Ina’s narrative offers a profoundly detailed and compelling window into a world many of us can only try to imagine. Her stories behind ‘Iron Curtain’ provoke thoughts on the legacy of the East-West divide in Germany. People back in the old days had to live a life of conscious articulation, where obedience to authority and adherence to the rules were crucial for survival and a promising future.
People in the GDR were significantly restricted compared to the free market economies. Wealth doesn’t equate to the freedom of consumption. The centralized planning and economic control meant that despite having money, citizens often faced significant restrictions on what they could buy. The scarcity affected not only luxury goods but also basic goods, for example, coffee, chocolates, etc.
Many people, including herself, living in East Germany grew up under Socialism, which indicates stronger feelings of community and collective identity. The government propagated the idea that socialist citizens should prioritize communal achievement over personal wealth. Through propaganda and education, East Germany was portrayed as a beacon of social progress in contrast to the decadent and inferior West Germany. However, when the Berlin Wall collapsed, the tensions created by economic disparity and lagging of infrastructure and employment opportunities unveiled the realities behind this supposed ‘utopian’ Socialism.
This historical reality has fueled the rise of the right wing of the party and anti-immigration attitudes following the reunification. The abrupt transition from a socialist state to a capitalist democracy challenged the previous strong sense of community and led to widespread alienation. These sentiments were weaponized by certain groups, exploiting the loss of identity and using it to foster exclusionary attitudes toward immigrants, casting them as outsiders, which mirrored how East Germans felt marginalized by West Germany.
Moreover, these imbalances pose significant challenges to sustainable development in the region. The current absence of policies and subsidies specifically designed to support the development of East Germany exacerbates this situation. East Germany, shaped by decades of separate development and distinct political structure, requires tailored strategies that address not only the economic disparities but also the social and cultural aspects of sustainability.
