Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) worries about Germany's prestige in world because of debate about rejoined football National player Mesut Özil. "It is damaging to image of Germany if impression is created that racism will be able to become a living in us again," said Maas der Bild newspaper. The debate shows what bitter hostility migrants are still exposed to. The number of xenophobic and anti-Semitic attacks is depressingly high. "This is simply shameful for our country," said German Foreign minister.
MeTwo has far more to do with "everyday racism". Because: what is this? We have to understand that flapsige saying at work or scornful gesture in web can sometimes be more painful than plate slogans of half-strong with baldness.
— Heiko Maas (@HeikoMaas) July 27, 2018Immediately after withdrawal of Özils from German national team, SPD politician had still said: "I do not believe that case of a multimillionaire living in England and working is giving information on integration capability in Germany." For this purpose, former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (SPD) criticized foreign minister. Schroeder had described statements of foreign Minister in Süddeutsche Zeitung as unbearable.
Özil had founded his resignation from DFB team after World Cup in Russia with racism, as well as with way in which DFB had dealt with him after departure of German national team. In particular, he attacked DFB-chef Reinhard Grindel in his declaration of resignation. Grindel rejects Rassismusvorwurf, but admits errors.
Özil and his national team colleague Ilkay Gündoğan had met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shortly before presidential election in Turkey and handed him jerseys to ir respective club teams. This was criticized as campaign aid for Erdoğan, which is accused, among or things, of ignoring human rights and freedom of press. Özil defended photo as a respectful testimony to president of country of his ancestors.
Özils resignation triggered a Rassismusdebatte on different levels in Germany. The activist Ali can used discussion to draw attention to everyday racism and started so-called "MeTwo" campaign. Over past few days, thousands of people on Twitter have shared ir experiences with racist discrimination under hashtag "MeTwo".
Date Of Update: 30 July 2018, 12:00
