East Germans and their search for identity in a re-unified Germany has become a topic of intense debate among academics, the media and within the East German community itself. Only a few years after the initial euphoria of reunification had worn off, and the dream to become “ein Volk” had (at least constitutionally) been fulfilled, Easterners began searching for a distinct identity. Part of this contested identity has expressed itself in the phenomenon of Ostalgie - the revival of products and symbols of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This essay analyses ostalgic practices in the context of the specific east German situation after reunification, a period which was not only characterized by the forces of liberation and progress which are so often portrayed in the media and official discourse, but also by experiences of severe rupture and losses in many parts of everyday life. What is the meaning and purpose of Ostalgie? Why did East Germans start emphasising their distinct Ostidentität (eastern identity) and why did it emerge in the first place? Is it part of a natural, long-term development rooted in the communist social doctrine, i.e. a form of nostalgia and GDR transfiguration? Or is it an after-effect of the asymmetric transformation, i.e. an act of defiance, resulting from disappointment? This essay attempts to answer these questions and support the hypothesis that it is neither nor. We argue that Ostalgie partly serves as a peaceful self-upgrading and self-conserving strategy to cope with the strains and challenges of transformation. Thus, Ostidentität is more than a cyclical trend, reflecting a romanticised transfiguration of the past GDR era. To a large extent, its constituent elements emerged in reaction to the unexpectedly Western-dominated process of East Germany’s social, economic and cultural development. As long as this process remains asymmetrical and driven largely by West German actors, a specific East German identity will continue to exist and possibly develop further, at least in the minds of those who still have personal memories of the GDR.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- East German identity and the phenomenon of Ostalgie after reunification
- Ostalgie - its meaning and forms of expression
- Reasons for the emphasis on a distinct East German identity after 1989/90
- The purpose of Ostalgie
- East German consciousness - cyclical trend or long-term element?
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to investigate the phenomenon of Ostalgie in post-reunification East Germany, exploring its meaning, purpose, and significance in shaping a distinct East German identity. It seeks to determine whether Ostalgie represents a long-term consequence of communist social doctrine or a reaction to the asymmetrical transformation process following reunification.
- The meaning and manifestations of Ostalgie.
- The reasons behind the emphasis on a distinct East German identity after reunification.
- The role of Ostalgie in shaping East German identity.
- The relationship between Ostalgie and nostalgia.
- The comparison of Ostalgie to other forms of identity construction.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the asymmetrical nature of German reunification in 1990. It emphasizes the stark contrast between the unchanged lives of West Germans and the profound societal shifts experienced by their Eastern counterparts. The chapter introduces the concept of Ostalgie – a nostalgic yearning for aspects of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) – and poses central questions about its meaning, purpose, and underlying causes. It also introduces the hypothesis that Ostalgie is neither solely a result of communist indoctrination nor simply a reaction to post-reunification disappointment, suggesting a more nuanced explanation is needed.
East German identity and the phenomenon of Ostalgie after Reunification: This chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of Ostalgie. It distinguishes between academic and everyday expressions of Ostalgie, noting the academic research and public discussions surrounding the GDR's legacy. The chapter explores the concept of "Ostidentität" (East German identity), highlighting its development as a response to the post-reunification experience and the sense of alienation from West German culture. It examines Ostalgie's various forms of expression, including the renewed popularity of GDR products and the rise of "Ostalgie parties," showcasing how these phenomena reflect a shared East German experience and collective memory. The chapter also addresses the complexities and misconceptions surrounding Ostalgie, acknowledging its interpretation as ingratitude by some West Germans while emphasizing its significance in shaping a distinct East German identity.
Keywords
Ostalgie, East German identity (Ostidentität), German reunification, post-reunification experiences, GDR, nostalgia, collective memory, cultural identity, social transformation, asymmetrical reunification.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This language preview provides a comprehensive overview of an essay investigating the phenomenon of "Ostalgie" in post-reunification East Germany. Ostalgie refers to a nostalgic yearning for aspects of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). The essay explores its meaning, purpose, and significance in shaping a distinct East German identity.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay's key themes include the meaning and manifestations of Ostalgie; the reasons behind the emphasis on a distinct East German identity after reunification; the role of Ostalgie in shaping East German identity; the relationship between Ostalgie and nostalgia; and a comparison of Ostalgie to other forms of identity construction. It also examines whether Ostalgie is a long-term consequence of communist social doctrine or a reaction to the asymmetrical transformation process following reunification.
What is Ostalgie, and how is it expressed?
Ostalgie is a nostalgic longing for aspects of life in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Its expressions are multifaceted, ranging from academic discussions and research to the renewed popularity of GDR products and the emergence of "Ostalgie parties." These expressions reflect a shared East German experience and collective memory.
What is the significance of Ostalgie in shaping East German identity?
The essay argues that Ostalgie plays a significant role in shaping a distinct East German identity in the post-reunification context. It's presented as a response to the asymmetrical nature of reunification and the sense of alienation from West German culture experienced by many East Germans.
How does the essay address the asymmetrical nature of German reunification?
The essay highlights the stark contrast between the largely unchanged lives of West Germans and the profound societal shifts experienced by East Germans after reunification. This asymmetrical experience is presented as a crucial backdrop to understanding the emergence and significance of Ostalgie.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of an introduction chapter setting the stage and introducing Ostalgie, and a chapter focusing on East German identity and the multifaceted nature of Ostalgie, distinguishing between academic and everyday expressions. These summaries highlight key arguments and findings of the full essay.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include: Ostalgie, East German identity (Ostidentität), German reunification, post-reunification experiences, GDR, nostalgia, collective memory, cultural identity, social transformation, asymmetrical reunification.
What is the overall objective of the essay?
The essay aims to investigate the phenomenon of Ostalgie, exploring its meaning, purpose, and significance in shaping a distinct East German identity. It seeks to determine whether Ostalgie represents a long-term consequence of communist social doctrine or a reaction to the asymmetrical transformation process following reunification.
What is the intended audience for this language preview?
The intended audience is likely academics and researchers interested in German history, identity formation, and the social and cultural consequences of reunification.
- Quote paper
- Christine Polzin (Author), 2003, Ostalgie - a part of a new East German identity?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/53816
