Why the Winnetou debate has something good after all – at “important today”

The debate is in full swing – from ex-Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who revealed himself as a Winnetou fan, to actress Uschi Glas, who considers the ban to be excessive, many prominent figures have commented on it. Niklas Ennen works for “Survival international”, his organization works closely with indigenous peoples, runs campaigns and fights for people’s land rights, for example. Ennen says in the 347th edition of the podcast “important today”: “We are pleased that the discussion was initiated, that we are talking in society about how we represent indigenous peoples. And at the same time, that says a lot about how much the stories by Winnetou and books by Karl May are our image in Germany shaped by these peoples.”

“Winnetou”-Books leave out part of the story

With the criticism of the publisher, there is always the argument that the books are about friendship and solidarity, everything is very positively charged. But that is exactly the problem with it, agrees Niklas Ennen: “It must be said in no uncertain terms that white settler society treated the indigenous peoples of North America horribly, from disease transmission to brutal extermination of indigenous peoples and eventual genocide.” And this part of the story is left out, so completely wrong images form in the minds of children and young people.

threat from mainstream society

Around the world, around 370 million people of indigenous origin live in around 70 countries. They often have a different lifestyle, a very close connection to their country and a close bond in groups. Indigenous peoples are repeatedly pushed aside through interference by mainstream society. “Christian missionaries believe they are allowed to enter tribal lands to proselytize, which often involves the transmission of disease and the extermination of these people. Another big problem is land grabbing, which we mostly see with large resource exploitation or infrastructure projects, that the land is appropriated or stolen by indigenous peoples and that is also based on a colonial or racist assumption that these people should be brought a certain development and that they themselves did not know how to administer their territories”says Niklas Ennen “important today”.

podcast “important today”

Sure, opinionated, on the 12: “important today” is not just a news podcast. We set topics and initiate debates – with attitude and sometimes uncomfortable. Host Michel Abdollahi and his team speak out for this star– and RTL reporters with the most exciting people from politics, society and entertainment. They let all voices have their say, both the quiet and the loud. who “important today” listens, starts the day informed and can have a well-founded say.

Human rights also apply to the indigenous population

Good coexistence is possible, but human rights must be respected and these peoples must also be perceived as contemporary societies. Central to indigenous peoples is the right to self-determination, that they can decide for themselves how they live and then, crucially, their land rights.

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