Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Reconcile oder Versoehnen

Reconcile is to:

rec⋅on⋅cile  –verb (used with object)
1. to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired: He was reconciled to his fate.
2. to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable: to reconcile hostile persons.
3. to compose or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.).
4. to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent: to reconcile differing statements; to reconcile accounts.
5. to reconsecrate (a desecrated church, cemetery, etc.).
6. to restore (an excommunicate or penitent) to communion in a church.–verb (used without object)



To versoehnen or reconcile is to win over friendliness with one or another. It is important to reconcile after vicious fights and anger. It is important to reconcile with other ethnicities, genders, as well as age.



Racism is a virulent part of German history. While certainly not as overt as football matches in Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Serbia, racism and the denial of equal pay is a severe problem.


I took several pictures while living in Berlin. This next two were taken while roaming around the Garden houses in the Southeastern section built somewhat similarily to Levittowns as a means of therapy for the Germany Worker.






























As well as this one:





























It is unfortunate that the German people have not reconciled completely with race issues. It does not only span white German vs. Black but White German vs. Turkish, which is divided along socio-economic and religious lines. It is important to reach for versoehnen, or reconciliation.

3 comments:

  1. Sehr gut, aber ich habe einige frage. Warum ist Versoehnung wichtig fuer dich? Inwiefern kann man versoehnen? Was fuer Konflikte hat die Deutschen gegen Schwarze oder Tuerkish?
    Gute Anfang!

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  2. I don't know what Jacquelynn wrote above but I am truly puzzled to see confederate flags in Germany flying in front yards!! Hmmm.... What is Jacquelynn asking above and how would you answer it??

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  3. I am too confused with the use of confederate flags in Germany? I don't understand the point they are trying to make....and yea what is she asking above?

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