German duelling clubs in race row over Asian member

Gerald · 06-17-11, 04:42 AM

A row with uncomfortable echoes of the past is gripping the world of Germany's student duelling societies after a club admitted a non-European member.

Duellers in Munich objected to the fact a Mannheim club had allowed a member with an Asian background to join, despite his service in the German army.

Mannheim members stood by their decision, and called for a more liberal direction for the clubs.

The clubs' national association insisted they were not racist.

Stefan Dobner, its spokesman, said it was wrong to say the row was over an "Aryan" condition of membership for duelling societies.

The fraternities condemned racism, he said.

Under Hitler, Germany enacted race laws which stressed the superiority of the "Aryan race", as northern Europeans were defined by the Nazis.

About 1,300 Germans are active members of the 100 or so student duelling societies, or Burschenschaften, which also count some 10,000 past members.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13796460

Note: 16 June 2011 Last updated at 13:49 GMT

Gerald · 06-17-11, 05:19 AM

Germany "The Master" we do not turn an inch away from our rules, a little flexibility is always good,

06-17-11, 04:42 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	German duelling clubs in race row over Asian member A row with uncomfortable echoes of the past is gripping the world of Germany's student duelling societies after a club admitted a non-European member. Duellers in Munich objected to the fact a Mannheim club had allowed a member with an Asian background to join, despite his service in the German army. Mannheim members stood by their decision, and called for a more liberal direction for the clubs. The clubs' national association insisted they were not racist. Stefan Dobner, its spokesman, said it was wrong to say the row was over an "Aryan" condition of membership for duelling societies. The fraternities condemned racism, he said. Under Hitler, Germany enacted race laws which stressed the superiority of the "Aryan race", as northern Europeans were defined by the Nazis. About 1,300 Germans are active members of the 100 or so student duelling societies, or Burschenschaften, which also count some 10,000 past members. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13796460 Note: 16 June 2011 Last updated at 13:49 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

06-17-11, 05:19 AM	#2
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Germany "The Master" we do not turn an inch away from our rules, a little flexibility is always good, __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie