Abstract

This thesis explores the complexities of constructing a German identity as a black German. The recent emergence of Germany's black minority group was generally perceived as an opportunity to reevaluate Germanness as it has been understood in the past. However, this thesis shows that a reevaluation of Germanness lacks full support because traditional German ideals of racial superiority continue to exist in the consciousness of all Germans - black and white. This suggests that theories of racial superiority continue to determine belonging and identity construction in Germany. Above all, the presence of Western racial ideology in black German identity construction signifies a development of self-rejection and the disunity of the black German population. This thesis explores these effects through black German literature, survey interviews and German media.

Degree

MA

College and Department

Humanities; Germanic and Slavic Languages

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2002-03-13

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etdm942

Keywords

Blacks, Race discrimination, Ethnic relations, Germany

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS