Thomas Gottschalk complains about changing sensibilities when presenting books

Thomas Gottschalk complains about changing sensibilities when presenting books

Thomas Gottschalk, who became famous in Germany as a TV presenter and entertainer, recently presented his new book “Unfiltered” at the Zeise Cinema in Hamburg-Ottensen. The evening was not only a reading, but also a reflection on contemporary social sensibilities. Wearing black leather pants, a T-shirt with Madonna and a black jacket, Gottschalk entered the stage and set an example for his unbroken popularity right from the start.

Despite the harsh criticism that Gottschalk received in the media for some of his statements, interest in him remained unbroken. In front of almost 400 fans, he emphasized that he was not a “grumpy old man”, but the one they knew and appreciated. The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia, as many of his supporters see him as a representative of their youth.

The appearance and the response

The reading lasted just over an hour - a time frame that did not stop his fans from coaxing autographs long after the event. The demand for signatures was high as Gottschalk willingly signed numerous posters, photos and his new book. A short passage he read took the audience on a journey into his childhood and emphasized the carefree nature of his youth.

But despite the high spirits, Gottschalk's dissatisfaction with current social sensitivities became clear. In his book and during the reading, he said several times that he didn't like the fact that "you're no longer allowed to say everything." At the same time, he pointed out that the scope for interpretation is often not left to him. He pointed out that the feeling of proximity or distance to the truth depends heavily on the perception of one's environment.

Contradictions and ambivalence

Gottschalk's language and views met with mixed reactions. He embodied a man who struggles with the changes of the times, and he himself seems contradictory in many points. On the one hand he talks about the past and seems to live nostalgically in the past, on the other hand he emphasizes the importance of respect in today's society. He often felt misunderstood in his role as an entertainer and opponent of political correctness.

The fact that he doesn't want to be pushed into a "right-wing corner" and at the same time mentions outdated terms like "Gypsy Schnitzel" without any care shows the discrepancy between his self-image and what is expected of him. Some listeners found his perspective refreshing and authentic, but others were skeptical and questioned whether he truly understood today's sensibilities.

As the conversation gradually shifted to a light-hearted anecdote about television, attendees were left with the question: Is Gottschalk really the charming entertainer they admire, or is he a relic of a bygone era? Many of his followers retained their nostalgia, while others recognized a need for adjustment.

For more information about Gottschalk's event and his new views, see the current reporting on www.ndr.de.