Censored voices: exhibition on flight and memory in Saxony

Censored voices: exhibition on flight and memory in Saxony

Dresden. Lately with the title "It is not quiet in my head" for excitement in Saxony. This show shows impressive photos and moving texts of refugees who live or have lived in this state. Already in several places, including Aue, Halberstadt and Chemnitz, it was presented with great success. The current location in the St. Heinrich monastery church in Pirna should only be a temporary solution, since the exhibition was originally to be held in the Pirna district office. However, this plan was destroyed by a cancellation of the district administrator Michael Geisler (CDU), which made the headlines nationwide.

Geisler stated that some text passages in the exhibition, such as "We are locked up as behind a wall", caused displeasure among the citizens and employees of the district administrator. Such statements apparently aroused incomprehension and led to complaints. This decision raises questions: may refugees tell their stories freely, or is they expected to always show gratitude and to keep negative aspects? Leonore Lobeck, one of the organizers, defends the exhibition by emphasizing that wherever the exhibition has already been presented, the intention and the message were understood.

The voices of the fled

The exhibition presents 35 refugees from different countries who tell their stories: from escape from home, the difficult conditions on the trip to integration in Saxony. A central sentence comes from Abdiwal M. from Somalia: "No one leaves his home voluntarily". These simple but profound words express what many refugees feel. In view of the current political climate, which is often shaped by skepticism towards migrants, it is particularly important to hear these stories.

The topics range from helpfulness and friendships to rejection and loneliness. Aissatou from Guinea talks about her dreams to find a better future in Germany and indicates the difficulties with which many migrants are faced with, including the constant struggle for recognition and overcoming prejudices: "I want a good future.

Another report comes from Aliahmad from Afghanistan, who describes how he and his family came to Germany. He emphasizes that the beginning was hard, but that life has now improved. He sees a positive development in the formation of his children and their integration into society.

Cancellation of the exhibition in the district office

In a democratic country like Germany, it should actually be a matter of course that critical voices are also heard. The fact that an important exhibition, which is intended to promote empathy and understanding for refugees, is deducted from the public due to complaints, raises serious questions. District Administrator Michael Geisler is viewed critically on this matter, especially in view of the manipulative presentation of the content of the exhibition, which he considered problematic. In essence, it is about that every voice, including that of the refugees, has to be heard.

The exhibition not only addresses the challenges with which many refugees are faced with, but also offers insights into the cultural differences and the variety of experiences. Abdiwal M. complains about racism and police controls only because of his skin color, which makes him sad. He explains that despite the intended better life in Germany, there are always thoughts of your own family at home. For many, flight is not just a physical act, but an emotional process full of loss and hope.

On October 14th, the exhibition in the Nicolaikirche Grünhain will compete in its next stop and continue to present the stories of those who are trying to survive and pursue for a better life. It is to be hoped that the voices of the refugees are heard and respected.