Unveiling the East German Mind...

Research Question:

As Germany concludes its second decade of reunification, to what extent do East Germans feel integrated in Berlin? The outward variances in East and West lifestyles are tough to decipher, but what are the mental boundaries that hinder complete integration?

Research Methods:

The investigation to answer this question will consist of interviews, a case study, and comparative observation of former east and west Berlin. A camcorder will be used for data collection and analysis. Because this inquiry will not have a visible or concrete answer, the data from my research will not answer the questions directly. However, the collected information should infer a general mental state that the East Germans currently experience.

First I will begin by visiting the DDR (German Democratic Republic) Museum. There I will interview the visitors to discover their purpose for attendance, whether it be tourist interest or nostalgia. Also, this will be an opportunity for me to be more exposed to the daily life of East German citizens. Then I plan to visit the former Stasi prison, now called the Berlin-Hohenschonhausen Memorial. There I will interview tour guides who are former inmates. I hope to unravel the political aspects of East Germany, as well as the darker side of East German life. More interviews and observations will be conducted at Hotel Ostel where I will be booked for a night. This summer I will attempt to get in contact with the owner of Hotel Ostel or the DDR Museum to form a case study around their business. Such a case study will focus on the intentions of the owner in recreating the East German household. I assume that their intentions will either be so that the East German life is not forgotten, or because of the market potential in showcasing communist life to tourists. The former reason indicates East Germans have yet to feel completely comfortable in the Capitalist society. Finally I will visit the far eastern areas of Berlin that still hold traces of the existence before the fall of the Wall. These observations will be used to compare the east and west lifestyles firsthand. The trip will also disclose how romanticized or exaggerated some of the interviewees’ reactions were.

Interviews will be held throughout my stay in Berlin and the questions will attempt to reveal whether East Germans actually believe they are able to practice true freedom in a capitalist society. Furthermore, the pros and cons of both Communist and Capitalist lifestyles will be questioned. The interviews, however, are limited to how willing the people are to speak openly about their thoughts.

Cultural Sensitivity:

During the interviews I will have release forms for people to sign before I film them. Also, it is very important that I do not ask for personal, identifiable information. Some people may be sensitive to the issue of living in the past Soviet Union and the boundaries of comfort must not be passed. The interview with the former Stasi inmates may reveal private information. If anyone is uncomfortable with their face being filmed, I can always resort to the pencil and paper.

Research Schedule:

Week 1— Visit DDR Museum and Berlin-Hohenshonhausen Memorial
Week 2— Stay a night at Hotel Ostel, Interview owner of DDR Museum or Hotel Ostel
Week 3—Travel to eastern side of Berlin with Michael
Week 4— Analyze data, edit videos, composition

DDR Museum
Contact: Peter Kenzelmann
Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 1, direct an der Spree, gegenuber dem Berliner Dom,
10178 Berlin
Berlin-Hohenshonhausen Memorial
Address: Genslerstr. 66, 13055 Berlin
Hotel Ostel (9 euro/nacht)
Address: Wriezener Karree 5 – 10243 Berlin

Bibliography:

Bernstein, Richard. "Peek Into This East German Museum, and It Peeks Back." New York Times. 20 July 2006. Berlin Journal. 16 May 2008 .

Hunt, Jennifer, comp. Is the Transition in East Germany a Success? 20 Apr. 2006. McGill University and NBER. 30 May 2008 .

Hunt, Jennifer, comp. Post-Unification Wage Growth in East Germany. Vers. Working Paper Number 304. Nov. 1998. Yale University and NBER. 30 May 2008 .

Ladd, Brian. The Ghosts of Berlin: Confronting German History in the Urban Landscape. Chicago: University of Chicago P, 1998.

Von Hallberg, Robert. Literary Intellectuals and the Dissolution of the State. Chicago: University of Chicago P, 1996.