Things are different now

[@Cyberjenne]

I drastically reduced reading news and social media comments and started cycling regularly for long distances. Since then my mental well being improved a lot and I became much more positive and optimistic in general. Actually endurance cycling taught me so many more things that help throughout daily life and work I'm glad I found this passion. 😉

[@valentins7120]

Ignorance is bliss in socialist shitholes, indeed

[@computername]

That's what I did. I never felt happier in life. But then I got incurable knee pain. Now I feel even worse than before, as the key to paradise was taken from me.

[@AltIng9154]

@@Cyberjenne Yes, I walk to the grocery store with a rucksack. 🎒 We got a car, but it is a kind of sport for me. 😀

[@husiroyoh4548]

yes if you are living in UK but if you living in free world or Europe you can still have access to freedom and democracy unfortunately UK are gone forever

[@AltIng9154]

@ Join Hanover again!😀

[@widiwidiantoro3604]

Just wanted to say thank you for the video! Lately I've been getting a lot of negative videos or article about Germany and it's hard not to get sucked into the negativity and pessimism for the future. And yet watching your video has made me remember why I moved to Hamburg in the first place. True it's always Scheisswetter here and the food are nowhere as flavourful compared to where I'm from. But the people here are sincere and city itself are beautiful and liveable; decent bike paths and good public transports across the cities (and across the Elbe with ferries). It made me more thankful that I have the opportunity to live here and reminded me to be not so drawn by the negativity online.

[@mark9294]

Well cycling infrastructure is pretty bad in Hamburg overall, but of course it depends to what you’re comparing it to

[@Hans-k9j]

Earlier this year I was having a wonderful evening with a friend in a restaurant on the riverbank of the Rhine near Koblenz. Wonderful food, scenery and sunny evening. At the table next to us sat two couples in their sixties. Wel situated people, rather well off as I am. They did nothing but complain about the situation in Germany. How bad everything was, the roads, the economy and what not. I almost got up. Myself living in the Netherlands as a German hearing the same here all the time. People don’t seem to realize anymore how good they have it and in what luxury they live even if they can’t afford an expensive restaurant. I remain thankful for what I have and have achieved. I sincerely hope there will be a cup of coffee for me in the future.😊

[@RCake]

Happy to invite you to one 😊 keep up the spirit and inviting people to share what is good in life.

[@AltIng9154]

You are right! Germans are manic depressive! Himmelhoch jauchzend zu Tode betrübt! Goethe! We Are again in a depressive phase!

[@fjh4379]

I totally agree with you, but there is one point in my mind... and this might be a common feeling for a lot of people even if they get older. I think (and feel) that this ongoing complaining by many people is driven from fear. There are uncounbtable topics in the world theses days that make us feel sad and causes fear. And instead of saying clearly whats in their minds and hearts, it's a lot easier to complain. Maybe it is not only "german Angst". I think this is something that is all over the world for any of us who loves the rules of democracy and want to live in a clean, healthy and peaceful world.

[@AltIng9154]

@@fjh4379 I think we Germans have German Angst and we are manic depressive! Himmelhoch jauchzend zu Tode betrübt! Goethe! The main difference between us and the Anglo-Saxons is, that we always choose security over freedom! We are risk averse! I am not alone! Insecure times, the Anglo-Saxons say „interesting times“ scares us! The Southern Germans are more in panic than Northerners, you see that how fortified the gardens are! Not a joke! Lots of our neighbours have massive concrete walls around even tiny gardens!

[@valentins7120]

Ah, yes, how dare people worry about an almost half a decade spanning recession when you are well off, still! Unbelievable

[@oliveresch9954]

Beautiful video - keep them coming and keep up your optimism. Merry Christmas!

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot :)

[@marcod1302]

Well, quite interesting what you say. I am one of those who are pessimistic about the future of this country, but it is worth thinking about your words.

[@britingermany]

Thank for taking the time to comment

[@YvonneHoerde]

Thanks for the vid. On the other hand, I was a little shocked when I went to Cologne with my daughter during the summer holidays. Cologne changed a lot since I was a kid, and in a way, not for the better. I visited Cologne the last time when I was about 17, which is long ago, I am now in my 50s. When I went there the last time, the city seemed extremely pretty and nice to me. This time was very different. The first thing that greeted us at the train station were a few homeless people. The museum of Roman-Germanic history was no longer that easy to be reached as it was when I came there with 17, I think it is renovated at the moment. We did not go there, instead, we went to a chocolate museum. This was quite nice but it seemed to me somehow difficult to get along with German alone - I had the impression that English was somehow needed to talk to people to find your way to the touristic spots. This alienated me a little. I do not know wether this shows that it might be true in some part that Germany is going downhill or maybe, it was just because this time, I went to Cologne in rain whilst with 17, I went to Cologne in sunshine. The zoo in Muenster, on the other hand, that I revisited, made a much nicer impression on me then it did when I was there as a kid. But we went there on a rainy day in primary school, this makes a huge difference. So, what you see when you travel is only a small moment and it is difficult to trust the eyes sometimes.

[@stateraskate]

I really enjoy not only your videos but how well how eloquently you express yourself verbally. I hope someday you consider writing a book (regardless of the subject)

[@skywalker7778]

Cant wait for your next upload and still around... Thank you for juxtaposing personal experiences of two places and your eternal positive outlook on our world! ❤

[@Brianbrianbrian71]

I so appreciate your work - your insight into Germany, your sensitivity to culture, and your imagination in the way you tell your stories. Well done and thanks.

[@britingermany]

Thank you. That means a lot 🙏

[@edmaximum]

This makes me think about how some countries in Europe are stunningly diverse. In Italy for example, in just a few hours' drive you can experience the snow-capped Alps, active volcanoes like Mount Etna, and charming countryside villages. From the historic streets of Rome and Venice to the serene beauty of Tuscany and the coastal wonders of the Amalfi Coast, there's always something new to discover. A lifetime wouldn't be enough to fully explore its rich landscapes, cities, and culture. And then there's France, Spain, Portugal, and more... it's mind-blowing how beautiful and diverse Europe is.

[@markfalcoff1743]

It's older. No surprise there.

[@bensempek]

Excellent content! Your approach is very thoughtful balanced and well done! I've been overseas for almost 30 years and relate completely. Keep up the good work!

[@peterkelly8357]

This is a wonderful video. I worked in Germany 1993-2003 and had a great time. Being based in Frankfurt it was so easy to visit different parts of Germany by train at the weekend. Also trips to France, Switzerland, Austria and Holland. I had some good friends from East Germany and visited Leipzig, Halle and the real East Berlin. Now I have closer ties to Italy and am making the most of that experience.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for sharing!

[@earlfenwick]

Thank you for this! I'm an American and my family has been living in Essen for 12 years. My wife is from here. Some of the street scenes around here are so ugly and depressing that it's delirious. When you actually go into places though, things seem much nicer and well established- behind the facades. Things seem a bit down right now. Germany avoided Walmart but Amazon is hollowing out the little high streets in smaller sections of the cities. There's been a decline in the diversity of businesses in the recent years. I really like your admonition to explore locally . I've gotten really tired of driving to Croatia and the Alps etc.

[@britingermany]

Interesting point about Amazon. I think Germany is the largest market outside the US. I'm actually not sure why its so popular here because Germans are so worried about privacy and their data being used but amazon is huge here

[@iwankazlow2268]

​@@britingermany it's simply because the vast majority of mum-and-pop shops are long gone, beaten by the chain shops. And those chain shops loose in price, availability and service to Amazon. There is no reason to go to the city centers like in the past. The ideal outcome would be those places becoming living spaces again, but because a lot of those buildings aren't privately owned and banks and property corporations think they can sit it through and not "disturb" the market evaluations. Besides that zoning is also a thing. Wow, I deviated from the main point. Amazon isn't bad, a lot of people want the shop to know what they would want to buy. People don't want governments doing the spying, and by observable reality don't care or welcome companies doing it as a service. And the annoying stuff comes from regulations (Amazon cannot use you buying a washing machine to not recommend you a washing machine anymore, the actual purchase cannot be used as a metric).

[@mark9294]

@@britingermanythe obsession with “Datenschutz” is mostly just lip service and virtue signalling

[@geraldwagner8739]

At least the Essen Christmas market is still great.

[@earlfenwick]

​@@geraldwagner8739 Yes it is 👍

[@johnmueter378]

Your positive attitude resonates. A few year ago I spent some weeks in Thüringen, making a pilgrimage to the places connected with J.S. Bach: Arnstadt, Eisenach, Erfurt, Leipzig, Weimar, also Naumburg an der Saale and Quedlinburg. Enjoyed it immensely. Life seemed good everywhere. Thank you for your intelligent and thoughtful videos.

[@carmenfinn7521]

Thank you for this uplifting video. Ma late husband and I visited Thüringen a couple of times, even spending a whole week there in summer 2020, when traveling was restricted. And we both really loved it there. It's always a two-way-street: how you behave, who you run into and what you make of it.

[@britingermany]

Oh that must have been interesting during 2020. Probably a lot emptier than now

[@ingaurban404]

Thank you for this soothing and uplifting video! Interesting thoughts!!

[@britingermany]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbsmart7373]

I love seeing this beautiful creation of yours, Brother. Like many others here, the sound sensation is really calming...for me it is the English accent and the thoughtful, wise words you share. As someone who has never been to Germany or Wales, it is really interesting and enjoyable seeing this video you have put together. I particularly want to thank you for reminding people to be conscious of negativity in comment sections and other places. For people who do not have much freedom to travel, or dedicate their efforts in life to different purposes or service, I agree entirely that travelling locally can bring about really beautiful and exceptional experiences. Every person we meet has a life experience and a story. I like being among many cultures where I live. I went on an incredible Hikoi recently. It was historical in my country, and one of the most upbeat and incredible cultural experiences of my life. Maori people and culture alll around me show me deep generosity, huge strength, deep spirituality, and extraordinary unity, connection and pacifism. I also attended an event this week with my previous neighbours who are Indian. My partner and I were treated like royalty and the entire evening was incredible in every possible way. It was the joy and the close relationships between the people there, and the combined effort that had gone into the occasion that I will never forget. I told my partner "This has been a highlight of my year", and he said, "Me too". A new neighbour from the Muslim country of Morocco has moved in next door now, adding to the Muslim contribution and the diversity in our neighbourhood. Maybe people see that in New Zealand we embrace Maori, Pacific, Muslims, and "every creed and race". People around me celebrate Christmas. But as a nonconformist, I prefer to focus on my Jewish connections and give others a taste of Hanukkah in the mix. I hope people have an open mind and reach out to others like you do, and see the many faces and hearts wherever we go. I always look forward to your ideas, views, creations, wisdom and peace. Kia ora. Thankyou. Po marie. Shalom.

[@CoastersandPop]

What a fascinating video, I love travelling and expanding my view of the world and agree, the older I’m getting the more positive I feel about our future, I also love visiting Germany and find it a fascinating and interesting country full of lovely, open and welcoming people.

[@britingermany]

Oh yeah? Which places have you been to in Germany? Got a favourite place?

[@CoastersandPop]

@@britingermanyloved cologne and Berlin specifically, really want to see Frankfurt too.

[@britingermany]

@ nice. And you’re form the U.K. right?

[@CoastersandPop]

@@britingermanyabsolutely!

[@oliverlondon5246]

I agree with importance of travelling to expand your horizon. We too have been to Thüringen twice for our summer holidays. And we loved it. So much too see, lots of culture and beautiful nature. Also not a lot of tourists. Lots of investment has gone into rebuilding it after the DDR. Yet, the locals were often very negative and complained about „…all these immigrants…“, none of which were visible to us.

[@britingermany]

He Oliver. Yes I remember you saying you'd been there in the summer. It is true that some locals seem fearful of foreigners but it's not a doomsday scenario. I was there prior ot the elections and so there were a lot of political adverts and stands everywhere. I did see AFD stands as well but it was all very civil

[@claudiakarl7888]

It’s always areas with the lowest percentage of migrants that seem to feel overrun.

[@yasseral-saadi6557]

@@britingermany​​⁠I know someone of Iraqi heritage who grew up in Dresden and faced so much racism there including being punched in the face because she’s not white. At the same time I always hear white people like you talking about things not being so bad. I’m not trying to be rude but maybe you should consider that just because you see some afd stand and think „oh well it still seemed civil“ doesn’t mean that it is. Please keep in mind that you might have a different experience in East Germany compared to people who have a different skin colour so please don’t generalize your experiences as being the objective reality

[@ricardocima]

@@yasseral-saadi6557 exactly.

[@indrinita]

@yasseral-saadi6557 I couldn’t agree more with you as a Canadian of colour living in the east (thankfully not in Thüringen).

[@markfrancis5164]

You are absolutely right to see the positive majority experience in person. And communicate the reality that most live in. But we have to be cautious because Travel does broaden the mind, but it can blinker us as well. When travelling, we are often shown what people want us to see, the beautiful, not the ugly -real people have to deal with once the ‘visitors’ have gone.

[@klausbuchhorn476]

What a wonderful world! Thanks for reminding us.

[@fannyriemath7044]

I do thoroughly agree with your statement that physical experience widens ones perspective! YET it reminds me of a British friend of mine, originally from Jamaica, commenting at the start of my bike tour from the Netherlands to Malta: "Are you aware of your privileges as a white European woman to do so?!" Would someone from Africa with a slightly different accent, still similar educational level and work, have the same, relaxed experience at Thüringen as you had?!" It's easy travelling when you have the means and privileges to do so!

[@lattakia3812]

Woke

[@lisamirako1073]

@ fannyriemath7044 Woke Stereotype. Yawn ...

[@dweamy1]

Never happened!

[@janepearson5802]

Bla bla bla boring

[@wiseonwords]

@fannyriemath7044 - Some friend you have, trying to guilt trip you for looking forward to your bike tour! You should have reminded this "friend" of yours of the tremendous privileges he or she enjoys as a black person in Britain: "Are you aware of your privileges as a black person of African descent in Britain?"

[@michaelbaumann55]

Danke. Grüße aus Thüringen

[@pippastar1606]

🧡

[@robtyman4281]

As a Londoner, and native Brit, I can assure you that Wrexham is not an exception. There are sadly many places in the UK now, that are really quite depressing - and considerably 'down at heel'. The UK is not only not the same country it was in 2016, but it has changed a lot (for the worse) since 2010; when the Tories came back to power. Over this 14 year period quality of life and living standards have fallen markedly; the NHS starved of funding to the point where it's almost 'on the ropes'. Public Services have also been starved, resulting in several Local Authorities actually 'going bust' and declaring bankruptcy....this has been happening in several different parts of the UK - and is still happening. The Tories asset stripped the country, weakening both the NHS, and Public Services; while wasting billions on failed PPE and other things to do with the Pandemic. They botched up HS2, through sheer corruption and nepotism, while certain Tory MP's personally benefited from all of these things - financially. Yes, really. So this is why the UK is in the sorry state it's in. A combination of 'forced austerity' lasting for far too long, Brexit, and Tory corruption have all left their mark on the UK. A country with a once thriving economy, well run Public Services, and good trade with the rest of Europe is now, for the most part - a thing of the past. It's desperately sad what the Tories have done to the UK. They've wrecked the economy, bled Public Services and the NHS dry, and torn British society in half. But this becomes really apparent for people like yourself, visiting the UK who are gobsmacked at the state of the country. It really is not the same country at all, as it was 15 or so years ago. I just wonder if it ever can be that country it once was? I am hopeful....but it's not going to happen anytime soon unfortunately. Guess Brexit was the 'straw that broke the camel's back' so to speak. It's mad though that there are still quite a lot of people in the UK who think Brexit has been a success. I also wonder what planet they live on!

[@peterandjanelle4882]

As an ex Brit for over 30 years and now an Australian, I do hear very depressing stories about the state of Britain. Is it all true; maybe not? However, when we travel to Europe, the UK is not on the list but mainland Europe is; Austria, Germany, Switzerland. These countries seems far more prosperous than the UK although I am sure many are finding it harder these days. I have come to realise that most Brits are socialists (like the Germans) these days and have only themselves to blame for the state of affairs. Britain has become so authoritarian that it can only be describe as FAR FAR LEFT. If Elon gives Reform the $100m then maybe Britain can be rescued from the far left by the right. One can only hope.

[@robtyman4281]

@peterandjanelle4882 Oh dear ....where to start with your comment. I was agreeing with you until the halfway point. Then you went all crazy and mentioned your support for Elon Musk. If you think Britain is ' far far Left' then you clearly don't know the UK at all, but view it as being the country you left 30 years ago. The country may not be anything like the UK of the early 90's. Actually I'd say it was more similar to then, than it was for much of the 2000's - when things were good, and the economy was doing very well. That you think the UK is very left wing, makes me laugh; because the UK media is still very right-wing biased - it was as responsible for Brexit as the likes of Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson were; acting as an 'able assistant' through the lies and mistruths it already nefariously, about the EU. The UK media also for the most part, let Tory MP's get away with so much during their 14 years in charge. All the horribly corrupt Tories, which the media didn't focus enough on. Then they go bezerk over a Labour MP who 'shoplifted' a decade ago....and basically force her out of her job. Had this been a Tory MP, much of the media would have turned a blind-eye, dismissing the story as 'trivial' or 'not of great importance'. This is how biased our media is, in reality. It STILL leans to the right, generally. As for you supporting Musk, in his aim to make Farage the Prime Minister. Well it shows that you don't really know British politics as well as you think you do. Farage can't just 'become' PM with a hefty donation from Musk. We're not America - thank god. He needs to win around 280 seats before becoming PM. British politics isn't 'simple' like American politics - it's abit more complex. Money (and a good publicity team) doesn't buy you the ultimate job in UK politics, as it does in American politics. You have to win seats!!! Reform UK won 6 seats at the last General Election (2024). Most British people are not idealistic dreamers like Americans are - they're realists. Reform will not go from 6 seats to 280+ inside five years! lol It's just not going to happen. In this instance it's more beneficial being a 'Can't do' country than a 'can do' one. Reform need to communicate what they would do on all areas. So far all you hear from them is Immigration Immigration Immigration. That's all they bang on about. They literally don't talk about anything else. How can you take a party seriously, when they just focus on one issue. No mention of Education, Defence, Transport, Environment etc. On Health, everyone knows that Garage would abolish the NHS, and follow the American model. I absolutely Millions of others would do all we can to thwart him in this regard. He would meet with fierce resistance. As for Musk. He's now just a power-crazed Billionaire maniac who thinks he can decide the leader for other countries. The man is incredibly dangerous and poses the second biggest threat to European democracy after Putin. He must be stopped. In fact both he and Farage need to be stopped, because they'll turn the UK into America. As a Brit, this is something I won't tolerate. If Farage ever becomes PM, I will leave the UK and probably never return. Making the UK like America, would for me, be the ultimate betrayal. I see little that is good about America today. The UK needs to move closer to the rest of Europe again - it's already drifted too far away for comfort.

[@peterandjanelle4882]

@@robtyman4281 Thank you for your response and with such passion.....I believe in everyone having the right to have their say. BTW, I rarely respond to KZbin response but yours resonated. It is true that being absent from the UK for many years may cloud my view on things but the internet allows one to get insights into many views both left and right. Across the West, we seems to be in two camps with not a lot in between. I am definitely of the right and I assume you are of the left from your comments about Farage and Musk. It is not about the money and buying positions but about giving Reform the firepower ie being able to run social media campaigns, billboards, ads etc. In my opinion, Farage talks common sense which is sadly lacking in most political leaders today. People just want a vision where they can see they are going to be better off, little by little, year after year. It is not a lot to ask for and to expect politicians on the left and the right to work for the people of the country they govern. Unfortunately, I think the left leaning public "servants" run the policy agenda in western countries. Politicians come and go but they have jobs for life. This paragraph for me sums it up nicely wattsupwiththat.com/2024/12/20/how-the-blob-sneaks-net-zero-amendments-into-british-laws/ **The dark financial tentacles of the Green Blob help curate mainstream media, brainwash young children, fund large areas of climate pseudoscience, initiate and finance lawfare operations and bankroll countless ‘grassroots’ agitprop operations. But political influence is highly prized, so local government representatives and city mayors are prime targets. Alas, these people come and go at the fickle whim of local electors. But not so the unelected members of the British House of Lords, who have considerable powers of altering proposed legislation from the elected House of Commons. It is hardly surprising that the noble lords and ladies have been targeted by the Blob given the potential for inserting Net Zero mischief into almost every type of legislation. Step forward Peers for the Planet (P4P), which claims a ‘caucus’ of 160 members, but was started as an activist body and is funded by sizeable contributions from the usual billionaire foundations.** Whereas I supported Brexit; you clearly don't. Presumably, you support high immigration and Open Borders; I don't. I believe in controlled skilled migration at a level a country is able to integrate new migrants. I believe in balanced budgets and low debt levels. I assume you are happy for the government to spend more than it gets in taxes and cover the deficit with ever more borrowing. I think Trump will be good for the US and it will give courage to politicians in the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada etc to voice more confidently right wing views including abandoning Net Zero (that will only bankrupt all of us in the west). I assume this comment will send you into a tizz but Ed Miliband is a complete [add word and it is not complementary] as well as Australia's Chris Bowen. I have enjoyed the banter and respect your views. May the best side of politics win.😉

[@rairei]

Another (as always) wonderful video - not only with travelling but general in life we should have a look and recognize how many good things we can participate. Remember this while being bombarded with all the news reporting supposedly bad stuff.

[@ingovb6155]

A very well narrated and thoughtful video again. And beautiful shots from Weimar and Jena which remind me of my excellent student time back in the days.

[@louisxix3271]

Beautiful video, with magical music & scenes!

[@britingermany]

Many thanks!😀

[@harryrussell2412]

Such an interesting and honest video on what you have seen. Your view on Wrexham is also the simple truth and sadly, is consistent with so many towns throughout the United Kingdom. Hopelessness and desperation has caused such decay.

[@DinaDeifallah]

Your video came in the right time for me! I decided to escape from the sickeningly increasing negativity of the online discourse and visit the near by city of Bremen for a much needed city vacation. Thanks and have a lovely holiday ❤

[@ant4179]

It's all very interesting. This is the second video of yours I have seen - the first was the opposite of this, talking about how grim the UK was. I am also an expat living on the continent, and although I'm not quite as down on the UK as you seem to be, I'm still generally happier living outside the UK. You say you are big on the 'personal experience', however I can't help thinking that we are coloured by our childhood experiences in the UK. So many expats, I think, are essentially trying to escape their past (the easiest and hardest thing to do) and so I don't think you will ever see the UK and Germany through a lens that's not biased due to your childhood and upbringing. Just some thoughts, keep up the good work.

[@fredbehn9287]

Another great message. My modus is to always focus on what's right and see what's not as an opportunity for improvement. As for traveling your own country, that's yet another privilege of living in the U.S. It's a challenge to experience all of it, but we're trying. We look at Europe the same way. Just fully experiencing all of Germany is a big task, but we're working on that, too. As for Erfurt, Eisenach, etc. in Thüringen, we felt completely at home and welcome there. We neve gave any thought to the issues being focused on there by the media. Looking forward to your next video.

[@fredbehn9287]

One more comment on negativity on the internet. I'm finding that the more successful channels on things like retirement, for example, are the ones who issue dire warnings or enumerate the pitfalls. "Retirement is great" channels don't seem to be as prevalent. Misery apparently loves company.

[@Ariansiss]

Good job! Keep it up :) Best from Munich, recently had an ethnographic visit to T. I found the visit gave me hope.

[@Hongaars1969]

Hi Benjamin. I could listen to your dulcet tones every day. Such true, eloquent and rich expression. Easy to protectively identify with. Also sending you advance seasons greetings. Zoltán

[@arnodobler1096]

Happy holidays everyone!

[@hyzia18]

What exact holidays do you mean?

[@chrisb3189]

*merry Xmas

[@rairei]

Thanks .. same to you 🙂

[@arnodobler1096]

@@rairei 🖐

[@cupq]

Amazing video ! Thanks ! Very much to the point.

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it :)

[@shanghaiultra]

Profound. So many pertinent observations in this video.

[@Crackalacking_Z]

I wouldn't put too much stock into online negativity. It was proven, that bot farms actively amplify negative narratives. Social media platforms profit off user interaction to keep people on said platforms and to keep showing them ads. Their algorithms also boost negativity, because angry people are more engaged. You're video is spot on, people should go out and touch grass and speak to real people. Well and when online to be less of a sucker.

[@britingermany]

Yeah. The danger is when you spend too much time online you start to believe the negativity.

[@anabltc]

"travel is the antidote for bigotry and narrow-mindedness", ahem, not always. I used to think so too, now I know it doesn't always work like that. People willing to learn are going to learn❤ But haters gonna hate no matter how far they travel

[@indrinita]

This has also been my experience!

[@andybliss5965]

Exactly. Living abroad didn't open my mind. It was already open.

[@southj89]

Travelling to India gives birth to bigotry

[@volkerbauer1974]

Well spoken!

[@TheBalbrigganTelescope]

Television quality content. I'm guessing imslp for public domain music. Writing, the visuals, suitable music, and all the editing thereafter. Excellent work!

[@Phiyedough]

Something I find is people only visit the tourist areas then judge a country by it's tourist areas. When I tell people I live in Croatia the often say things like "We went to Split and it was very nice but very expensive". They extrapolate from that experience and think the whole country is like that. A bit like those who go to London and say they have "done" England or even UK. I would recommend people spend part of their travel experience in ordinary, non tourist areas to get a feel for the genuine culture and society.

[@britingermany]

Yes great point. The real juice of life lies off the beaten track

[@jrgptr935]

Ist ja nicht neu, daß viele Touristen Bayern oder Berlin besuchen und glauben, in Deutschland zu sein - was in beiden Fällen nicht zutrifft. Besonders das Bundesland Berlin scheint auf einem anderen Planeten zu liegen, in mehr als einer Beziehung. It's not new that many tourists visit Bavaria or Berlin and believe they are in Germany - which is not true in either case. The federal state of Berlin in particular seems to be on another planet, in more ways than one.

[@tashschmidt2503]

The main thing that keeps me from moving back to Germany is the constant complaining of lots of Germans about literally everything.. even the things that are lots better than in the UK.. It seems Gernans are never happy, even when the state offered everyone 9000€ towards buying an electric car so many people complained that they still would have to pay to get a charging point installed... I mean REALLY!? 😂 Doesn't really compute when you're an NHS employee who even had to fork put to pay for parking at work for decades... Good advise! Everything is put into a different perspective once you've travelled & have more reference points!

[@henriettejosephine]

Thuringia cities are beautiful and full of history. Certainly worth a visit. Ofcourse there are nice and friendly people everywhere but you are a white man, obviously not an immigrant, just ask them about life there. Funnily enough they do not have many immigrants there but it seems this is their biggest issue. I think people should not lament so much but take their life in their own hands and not believe in lying politicians.

[@britingermany]

I would agree. At the end of the day if you want to change things it's up to you to do that...outsourcing your hopes and dreams is a recipe for disaster

[@cablenewsfanatic5634]

Don't be woke. How do you know that the issue that the locals have with the left is color and not simply over immigration or the tendency of certain types of migrants not to assimilate, egged on by ever creeping multiculturalist thinking on the part of the establishment?

[@CarlosdeFrance]

Beautiful images...

[@CarlosdeFrance]

And very positive video, we need videos like that, Danke

[@christopherking3937]

I‘m originally from Cambridge and have been living in Munich for over 30 years. Bavaria is an amazing place to live, with mountains and lakes. I’m not sure where you’re based but if you fancy a pint over the Christmas period, send me a Messanger PM.

[@erichamilton3373]

Thuringia is really great. I got to know Erfurt and its surroundings in 1992.

[@chuckcooper272]

an excellent video. You were uncertain why Thüringen was having such economical problems, seeing how the cities there all look so prosperous. In the DDR era the towns and villages were populated mostly due to farming. After the Reunification many jobs were lost, because the new system did not need so many employees in the small towns, plus the buildings and houses were all in very poor shape, quite often not renovated since the 1930s. The result was that many of the young people either moved to West Germany or into the big cities in Thüringen, like Erfurt, where there were jobs. The result was however that there was a housing shortage, causing a constant raise of rents and more competition in finding employment. In the DDR there was less "freedom" but more social contacts. This Individualism has brought many advantages but also more loneliness and dissatisfacation. This is one reason why one hears a lot of complaints. In the cities the SPD is strong, while the AfD is stronger in the villages and small towns.

[@SonoSion]

Very nice and optimistic thoughts on the status quo ❤

[@Abba555]

woww i love this short film

[@aspiringpolymath1468]

I am entirely in accord with the notion that one must visit a place to ascertain the facts on the ground firsthand. The digital realm, for all its modern marvels, has undeniably cultivated a somewhat melancholic and pessimistic outlook. As an aside, one wonders to what extent your experience in Thüringen might have been altered had you been a person of color? May I also inquire whether you had the opportunity to engage with any residents of color there regarding their experiences?

[@neilfazackerley7758]

I went to Wismar last year and I was also pleasantly surprised how nice the city was. Lovely architecture and super clean in comparison to Köln or other West German cities.

[@aliviablount]

I have been living in Germany for about 2 months and it’s great

[@andrewcharlton2709]

I live in the Czech republic, I am so happy living in a homogenous society. Why go to a foreign country, when they all live in your own town

[@pyromaneism]

Well spoken.

[@tonyscriven7771]

Congratulations, you have noticed the discrepancy between what is reported in much of the media, and how things and people actually are. Having made this breakthrough, it would not be surprising if you did not come across other gaps in the metropolitan liberal narratives. I think you are in for an interesting ride… viel spass!

[@britingermany]

thank you....although do I detect a hint of sarcasm?

[@caspargroenen4363]

Although I agree east Germans still feel a bit like 2nd class citizins, I beg to differ. East Germany as well as eastern Europa have not experienced the societal,political developments of the sixties. Which leaves them having a more moderate conservative view on society and politics. While in west Germany like in the US, women have become more left leaning,leading to a more progressive outlook on society and politics. Dutchman living in Germany.

[@claudiakarl7888]

And they maybe should visit the Ruhr area - cities like Gelsenkirchen or Oberhausen are much worse off than any Eastern town. Much money went into the East which was missing in Western areas.

[@catriona_drummond]

@caspargroenen4363 Thnk you! You are one of the first people that I eve saw bring that point up. It's very underestimated. Esat Geramany is a society that was much more socially conservative, and then catapulted 20 tp 30 years into the future while at the same tim facing massive ecoomic difficulty and lots of emigration (about a quarter of all east germans left for the west after 1990) So many West Germans don't understand that East Germans got no time to get used to developments that took the west 20 years after 1968 while st the same time struggling to make end meet.

[@vmoses1979]

More moderate conservative view and they elected the AfD?? It's very interesting to see Europeans now consider the AfD as a moderate conservative party.

[@claudiakarl7888]

@ It definitely is not.

[@catriona_drummond]

@@vmoses1979 you misunderstood. he meant GDR society was more consevative when it made a 20 to 30 year jump into the future in 1989. Ther eis of course nothing moderate about AfD

[@geraldwagner8739]

I recommend to you to visit Riga in Latvia. You'd be very positively surprised.

[@wombat3455]

A very intelligent commentary

[@catriona_drummond]

What puzzles you about Thuringia is the odd social and income structure that the East has. There is a lot less visible poverty and homelessness because the eastern part of country has suffered from massive population losses since 1990. about 25% of the inhabitants left for the west, for jobs. Except a few centres like Leipzig there is no scarcity of housing. There are fewer people living in extreme poverty due to not being a generational development of welfare recipience like in some western milieus. There are also A LOT less rich people the median income is drastically lower ta in the west. Just count the number of luxury cars you see on the streets i comparison to the west - its not the worst indicator. East Germany actually has a NEGATIVE gender pay gap - women do earn on average 8% more than men, because more women work and work fulltime than in the west and also in relatively well paying jobs in civil service, like teaching. While most men work in production and other blue collar woerl, while all the well paid jobs for me, like in engineering - are in the west, where the corporate centers are located. Average age is much older than in the west, some of the small cities you visited have average ages of 60 years. And yes, many west germans complain about the East Germans complaining about the foreigners, that the west germans don't seem to see. It's like somebody who drank 9 beers over a very long day complains about somebody who got tipsy after drinking 4 schnapps in just half an hour. The East Germans had a lot less time to get to grips with a lot of societal developments the west had 20 years or longer to deal with since 1968.

[@catriona_drummond]

Just read yesterday that the number of evictions due to unpaid rent is a lot higher in East Germany than in the west, those people don't end up on the street as often though.

[@Anakianaj]

This might sound really cynical but my greatest takeaway from travelling/being abroad has been that people are deceiving. The calm is deceiving. The smiles and the friendliness is deceiving. To the point where now, if it's not just smalltalk or an interactional impersonal kinda situation I get *very* suspicious about what kind of person I'm talking to if they're friendly. The most likable people I've chatted with have turned out to be those with the most extreme political views. And as nice and helpful as they can be if you meet them on a christmas market over some Glühwein - a person is not separate from their political views / their views on society. For the christmas-dinner's sake it's possible to not make it a topic of discussion on those days - but also only those days.

[@EnronnSierra]

This happened when I visited New York, you would swear from all the alarmist KZbinrs, New York was falling apart because of migrants or everything is closed down. Yet, it was the complete opposite, streets were clean, people were friendly, lots of tourists and locals going about their daily lives.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

As someone who was accosted on his honeymoon in Cologne, Germany, I disagree with you. Things are getting worse and it’s not just a mental paradigm shift it’s real.

[@chrisb3189]

R U Black?

[@juicyfruit4378]

@@chrisb3189does it matter?

[@juicyfruit4378]

I believe a different perspective of Thuringia would be had a person of color visit the region rather someone who can pass for a local - I visited Thuringia and found it nice but not comfortable as I felt when in Bavaria, Hesse Rheinland-Pfalz or Baden-Württemberg. Persons of color avoid eastern Germany for a reason

[@chrisb3189]

@@juicyfruit4378 Yes, cos people don't like blacks or arabs, so are more likely to accost them

[@YmanYoutube]

Great video! I would love to visit Thüringen one day but considering that I am a bit too brown that doesn't seem like a good idea😅

[@alanbudde8560]

I do agree as an American. When I was young I felt a lot of excitement and then maybe in my 20s and 30s I was a bit depressed with the reality but in my 40s im increasingly optimistic about my life. Part of it was all the travel I did where I saw just how good we have it relatively and part of it was growing into my career and feeling confident in it. But also having hope for fixing the problems I see at home. I am increasingly pessimistic about our higher education system, it's increasingly letting down our youth and that scares me still. Also the growing inequality divide has to be reversed or we could easily go down the fascism path which is not a solution but provides the myth of one to despondent people.

[@britingermany]

I think growing into your career path plays a big role. Once you’ve found your thing you are much more grounded in reality and not so open to crazy narratives

[@CeCeCanapee]

Thanks so much! Your videos are not only really entertaining, they help me to improve my english as well. At least I hope so 🙂 Living in my beloved and lively but really stuffed and sort of chaotic Rhein-Ruhrgebiet (NRW) I am quite jealous hearing about the calm- and cleanness you witnessed in Thüringen! As a kind oft left-winged german I feel deep in my heart that voting for the AFD cannot be the answer. (Not that you said that!) . But what is the answer? Surely part of it is what you advise here: to look and think and decide real and by ourselves.

[@idlebrit]

Interesting insights, after moving from England to Germany (1986) I quickly realised how little I knew of the country of my birth (England). Feeling safe in Frankfurt but a bit concerned about some political ideas making headway now.

[@britingermany]

Yes there are some worry cultural trends but its important to limit the news diet. Things are developing rapidly and all we can do is focus on our own personal lives

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, I have probably been to more places in New Zealand than many people who live their whole lives there. The inverse is no doubt true of many New Zealanders who tour UK.

[@barbsmart7373]

​@@Phiyedough That's a good point. Where did you go to in New Zealand?

[@ricardocima]

@@britingermany You're advocating for cynicism and alienation.

[@sirjosephwhitworth9415]

We visited Thüringen in recent months, Weimar was lovely, best ice cream I've ever tasted at a great price, unlike rip off Britain! Along with the Bauhaus museum and Goethe, Schiller etc the city was well cared for and pleasant. We stayed in Wernigerode, and visited Goslar, Quedlinburg and the Brocken in the Harz mountains, I know these are not in Thüringen but the Sachsen states, nevertheless all places are near by in the former east. Everywhere appeared well kept and the people welcoming. Having travelled all over Germany, I can say Thüringen etc feels more German and indigenous than say Köln, Berlin or Frankfurt a M., all are now suffering the effects of Mutti Merkel's meddling. That is such a shame. Good video.

[@TheMacbu]

Travelling is nice and broadens the mind, but you shouldn't forget that you can and will also find many negative sides to the world. We have travelled a lot in Europe and have seen many extremely negative things. And unfortunately, in my experience, people learn more from negative things than from positive ones (in my opinion, this has something to do with self-protection). In the end, of course, this is also reflected in people's voting behaviour. The future will show what the ‘right’ party (or direction) is. The world is changing, and it's happening far too fast. That scares people. By the way, the influence of the internet (or the media etc.) is overestimated, that's not all. When I see poverty in Europe, I see it with my own eyes. In many cases, the internet tends to distort reality and portray it more positively than it actually is. 🙂

[@G3st4lt]

As someone who lives in a fairly diverse and economically well off part of Texas, I really relate to these sentiments when visiting rural parts of my home state. I get turned off by the aggressively pro MAGA veneer put up by many, but these places are mostly very friendly. My family roots are in places like this, and while they have their struggles, they (and the ppl) have a ton of value. I need to remind myself of this sentiment when I read news online, because I find myself getting very angry at people who I disagree with and perceive as eroding my country's democracy.

[@MrLittlelud4]

A visit to Ian's reasons to be cheerful comes to mind .

[@SocietalDefibrilation]

Love the blockheads

[@Kiyuja]

I do think there is a lot of merit to the claim of many easterners yearn for that time of the GDR. My family is from the former east and many things they now criticize and moan about arises from a solution to that being in place during that time. Many things that I, someone who grew up in this society, would never ask or care much for. Yet its a common retour from them. I believe many from the east didnt really understand the "shift" of society post reunification, leading to huge cultural misunderstandings, frustration and quiet frankly wrong expectations.

[@britingermany]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s always interesting to hear from people who grew up there

[@jrgptr935]

Der ehemalige Osten? Soviel ich weiß, liegt das Beitrittsgebiet noch immer dort, wo die DDR war, in Osteuropa. The former East? As far as I know, the accession area is still where the GDR was, in Eastern Europe.

[@chenchina4577]

Genuine question (not trying to stir a pot): Do you think places like Thuringen are cleaner, more peaceful, and...well..."regular" (based on your observations)... BECAUSE the refugees, asylum seekers and "new Germans" choose to settle in western cities where there's already an infrastructure of their own people and they don't need to really put themselves out on a branch to assimilate? Would they face exceptional hardships had they chosen to settle in the east? Are there no resources to help outsiders assimilate in eastern towns? Anyway, I'm a fan of your videos and a subscriber now. Thanks!

[@happychappy7115]

Absolutely agree with getting to know local regions near where we live. Some great experiences to be had.😊 Where we diverge is in the assessment of Wrexham; ive visited Wrexham several times in the last 2 years, and yes it is run down to a degree compared to European towns, but compared to other UK towns...??😮Not so sure.

[@dutchbobson3183]

There is a nialism online I completely agree. Busy people in particular don't feel like this. Having kids for example or a busy career or both means you can pass the days without any idea of what events are unfolding on the news. I do feel 24 hour news coverage is too much also I feel the end of the world climate change narrative too much. Concentrate on your own lives and not things out of your control I think.

[@britingermany]

100%. The most impact you can have is in your own local area.

[@lisamirako1073]

As long as you don't use a time machine for the 1930s to travel to Thuringia, you don't need to be afraid of “Nazis”.

[@ricardocima]

Or as long as you look german.

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

You think Wrexham is bad? Head west along the coast and check out Bangor. Now _that's_ a depressing city.

[@barbsmart7373]

You get very very suspicious if people are friendly? The more friendly people have the most extreme political views? I have not heard of this before, so am intrigued about your experiences. I can't really imagine what you have experienced. It seems a terrible shame that travelling has left you so much more suspicious especially of friendly people.

[@barbsmart7373]

To Anakianaj

[@agrosyntrop]

Maybe you should try to see beyond your stable middle class life. The tide is rising, you'll see soon enough.

[@timhill9189]

Yes agree mostly. I think you should mention the reason public spaces in the German East looks better than Wrexham is the Solidaritätszuschlag. which has sent euro 2,000,000,000,000 eastwards since 91. This is impossible in the UK no matter who is in power, the political culture simply wouldn't allow it.

[@lisamirako1073]

@ timhill9189 This figure is massively exaggerated. Between 1995 and 2022, the Solidaritätszuschlag (solidarity surcharge) did not raise €2 trillion, but €384 billion. Of this, €254 billion (66%) was used for the new Bundesländer. The remainder (34%) was used to finance state expenditure that had nothing to do with the new federal states.

[@timhill9189]

@@lisamirako1073 correct - the Soli is directly only part of the number, but 2 trillion in transfer payments as a whole is something we would not see for say 'The North' of the UK. Ukraine is next until the second half of the century and huge increases in defence spending. So surcharge or tax or borrowing, we'll all notice it.

[@lisamirako1073]

@@timhill9189 Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, significant financial resources have been transferred from the old federal states to the new federal states to support development and equalize living conditions. The exact sum of these transfer payments varies depending on the source and method of calculation. In summary, the transfer payments from the old to the new federal states since reunification are estimated to range between €1.3 trillion and €1.7 trillion. This corresponds to an average of €38 to €50 billion per year for the approximately 16 million inhabitants of these new Bundesländer. For comparison: Germany currently spends roughly the same amount (€45 billion) annually on accommodation, care and financing for the 3.5 to 4 million asylum seekers and refugees living in Germany.

[@ftdecastrolondon]

I am glad I am in the UK and not in continental Europe right now.

[@mikethespike7579]

The contrast between negative online narratives and real life is easy to explain. Negativity attracts attention while remaining anonymousness. A small minded person will hardly ever go into the street alone and rant loudly against the government's immigration policies. He knows that he wouldn't last long on his own. But he can rant all he wants on the internet and can attract like minded people to his opinions. Online narratives are not a true reflection of society.

[@AnnetteLudke-je5ll]

This is exactly the problem in the new German states : less immigrabts, not too many drug addicts or homeless people and beautiful cities and landscapes but nevertheless depressed people who feel neglected by the state. People should try to help others themselves and not always wait for "the state".

[@britingermany]

Yes I do think that personal responsibility is the best and fastest why to improve your life…unfortunately I don’t think this is particularly popular

[@keigre5319]

The British as a whole have been too naive, too welcoming and too trusting... but when that has gone... there will be a tipping point.

[@strauskp]

I appreciate the sentiment of this video, but I have to wonder what your experience may have been if you were a person of color. My German husband, born and raised in Chemnitz, is darker skinned and has experienced harassment from the alt right. And when we visited family outside Berlin, our uncle would not let us ride public transportation back into the city that evening because he was fearful our dark skinned teenage son would be targeted.

[@henningbartels6245]

I'm not sure what to think of some Frankfurters warning people to visit a neighboring federal state ... it comes close to ignorance or arrogance.

[@torstenberlin4088]

Well, your usage of the term nihilism might be worth discussing. I think it is too strong and doesn't quite hit the point. Realizing that so much is going down the drain triggers frustration, pessimism and the proverbial German angst, that's for sure, but it doesn't necessarily lead to nihilism. Besides, I guess you didn't live in Frankfurt yet when the railway system worked about as well as the Swiss one ...(?) Anyway, Benjamin and all your fans here - have a blessed and pleasant Advent Sunday ! ! !

[@britingermany]

Thanks for the food for thought 🙏. Happy Sunday

[@torstenberlin4088]

Thanks a lot, Benjamin; kind of you to react so soon🤩

[@torstenberlin4088]

❤👍🕯🕯🕯😊😉

[@mrgoofie4849]

Nevertheless. Here in my town people avoid the central train station at night. This was not needed 10 years ago. Trust me...its needed now. There are still a lot of nice areas and smaller cities.. But it has not gotten better. And those facts cannot be ignored by politics. Which is what they still do. And that is the problem.

[@PiaStevenson-z3m]

I remember going past Björn Höcke's house surrounded by dying conifer trees. To me, this represents the concept of the AFD. It's a party projecting Ängste because of its flat roots. I feel that he and the party he represents have false expectations of life. The people of Thüringen are lovely to meet. The federal state is also in a relatively good shape. You only realise how good things are when you explore other regions and understand how and why they are where they are.

[@aurelaliasflorian]

Wort! ❤

[@boomme3598]

I think we are in the collapse phase of the current system and you can see and feel this all around you. Corruption everywhere and in the open, massive monetary debasement, extreme divides between rich and poor among many other signs. That being said, I am more optimistic than I have ever been too. Failing systems collapsing give opportunities for new and better systems to replace them. Hopefully GenX can lead better than the Boomers.

[@britingermany]

I think you're right. Every collapse brings opportunity with it as well.

[@renameduser466]

"Hopefully GenX can lead better than the Boomers." ... Well, the appearance of GenX has not yet lead to any improvement, and the only engagement I can see is blaming others - another generation, the people in power, the system. How about blaming election results ?!

[@Phiyedough]

My personal experience was that I was on a low income but several years of low inflation meant that I could still live within my means. The problems started with the Ukraine war and the higher inflation. That income was no longer adequate and the stress levels went up. Thankfully things are improving now for me personally but lots of people are struggling at the moment.

[@boomme3598]

Well the rise of Bitcoin as sound money and the ending of the real estate Ponzi scheme are two such ways GenX are trying to change things. The war is part of the collapse of the current system imo.​@@renameduser466

[@boomme3598]

​@@Phiyedoughexactly, war, excessive money printing and the open corruption of the political elite are end signs of the current system. A society built on theft and selling overpriced houses to the younger generation is doomed to fail at some point. Opt out of the fiat (debt based) money into sound money with a fixed supply and things will improve.

[@basiaszendrei1603]

Many wrote this before, so it will sapund like a cliché, but capitalism periodically experiences crises and each time of the crisis a scapegoating mechanism is use to target a group of people for the misfortune. We are now at the biggest crisis of middle class slowly dying and countries and counties getting poorer for the benefit of corporations and the super rich who accumulate more and more weatlh. The discontent comes from the fact that the living conditions get worse for all of us, because of rising prices which we are told is because of war in Ukraine, disruptions to supply and demand etc etc. but the truth is we can no longer afford anything, because public assets are being acquired by private hands that want to make profit.

[@ricardocima]

Well you look like a white german and speak german, so that's not really a test for how people from a region treat different people.

[@Patrick-on2ty]

❤

[@ageoflove1980]

I think that this feeling has to do with the binary nature of new,especially on social media. As companies and individuals are competing for views, they have realised that people will react when things are either the best or worst ever. Take KZbin for instance: You can either like, or dislike. Just ok is apparantly not an opinion worth having. Because KZbin knows thta people who think something is ok, are much less likely to engage with their content, thus making them no money through add revenue. And this sort of dualism is everywhere now. Thats why Fox News is so briliant for example. People either love it, or hate it. And they arejust as fine with both, as long as they are getting views. I think this sort of nihilism does have a real impact on the world, and thats perhaps the senitment what this video tries to point out.

[@britingermany]

Right…that’s why it’s not a good idea to spend too much time online

[@ageoflove1980]

@@britingermany Exactly, I think thats the reason why we see the sudden rise of movements like the AfD because the nature of social media just has a tendency towards extremism. I think, to an extent, the majority of those voters dont even dislike foreigners or have absolutely no clue how it was during the times of the Soviet Union, but rather they are getting simply "clickbaited". Add to that the infamous algorithms these platforms use and soon they find themselves in a false reality of an echo chamber. So, absolutely, getting out there in the real world is essential to keep your sanity, even if its just a sunday stroll through the forest. You know, just a little help to put everything back in to perspective.

[@dweamy1]

I've never thought that I should stay away from Thuringen, why on earth do people think that just because an area may be politically right wing that it would be dangerous to go to??

[@britingermany]

There are a lot of stories circling that foreigners are met with physical violence and verbal abuse…and no it’s not just skin colour…if they hear you have an accent things get spicy!…but as I said this was not my experience

[@elzabethtatcher9570]

"First time a far right party has led in election in Germany since WW2" I hear this a lot when I read news about Germany, and it always sounds dumb. Granted, I am not a german, I have never lived in Germany, but I get it that germans are sensitive about nazi stuff. But this comparison is wrong and misleading. The comparison seems to make people think that anti-immigration parties are somehow related to Hitler. Yet, the Hitler party's most defining and well known characteristics are not anti-immigration, but authoritarian culture, strong belief in supreme leader, and the utter hate for the "undesirables", who are mostly not immigrants, but lived in Germany for centuries.

[@claudiakarl7888]

Well, the AfD uses NSDAP phrases. And their family image is straight from the 1930s. Those who lead that party are Nazis. And a great number of their followers too.

[@ricardocima]

Oh dear, that's because the jews and gypsies were seen as non-germans.

[@jrgptr935]

AfD ziemlich genau beschrieben - wo also soll der Unterschied liegen? AfD pretty much exactly - so what's the difference?

[@mcarlsson74]

They are not 'far right' but always Z fronts, which is difficult to discuss openly because of laws.

[@claudiakarl7888]

@ Far right is even euphemistic. They‘re in the tradition of the NSDAP.

[@timoth4529]

Everyone just wants germany to collaps cause it would make for a good narrative and documentaries. espeacially those dreading its collaps are the ones who wish for it to just be over. Because then at least they where right. Germans just love to be Cynical and I think thats what is partilly fueling this sense of hopelesness you can find online.

[@jackkruese4258]

The more you travel the more people you meet and so generally the more disappointed you become.

[@britingermany]

Interesting. For me it’s the opposite

[@jackkruese4258]

@ Guess I just hate people well most people anyway.

[@ChristinaMotzer]

Sie haben den deutschen Trend zum schwarzsehen uns meckern gut erfasst

[@seamusdoherty]

The less diversity the more clean and safe cities are in my opinion.

[@ricardocima]

The less urban. But nothing can really cure prejudice.