Ostalgie: A conversation

First and foremost, I thought that Ina was in a very interesting position because she had lived in both ‘worlds’ so to speak for a significant and formative amount of time, and as a result, would be able to reflect on the similarities and differences of the two areas in a unique way. What stood out to me the most was the fear that Ina discussed in respect to the potential for anyone in her community or family of being a spy.

Another point that I found interesting was regarding food. Ina mentioned that there would sometimes be food shortages, or that people would need to make special arrangements to get certain foods. Specifically, it was interesting to hear how this seemed to be a normal part of life that people did not question until perhaps after 1990, when it was no longer the case. I also wonder how growing up with that notion affects her life today.

In terms of Ostalgie, my understanding of Ina’s feelings of Ostalgie are a longing for a down to earth East German past and memories of products from the GDR without digging into the problematic implications. She also mentioned living in Berlin, listening to specific types of music, seeing certain shops and signs, or other sights that triggered a feeling of Ostalgie, bringing back memories from her childhood.