Borders, Neighborhood and the Nature of Human Communities

When Germans visit the Netherlands for the first time, they often notice something that initially seems unusual. While in this country the windows are usually curtains to create privacy, large windows are common in the Netherlands without any privacy screens. Many are surprised when they can watch the neighbors unprotected at dinner without curtainsblock view. The question of whether the Dutch are not ashamed or whether they are trying to circumvent an alleged curtain tax is quickly asked. But both assumptions fall short, because the phenomenon can be explained more by the cultural heritage of the Netherlands, which is deeply rooted in the Calvinist belief. At its core, it is an attitude in which life in harmony with GodAnd the righteous way of life does not allow secrets, which is why curtains are avoided in order not to operate on a veil.

The relationship between neighboring towns: curiosity, comparison and rivalry

The interaction between neighbors, whether in the country, in cities or between countries, is always characterized by a special dynamic. It is natural that people are curious, compare each other and highlight their respective advantages. These rivalries and comparisons are as old as the communities themselves and are also reflected in everyday life. in sports, such as football games,the rivalries between neighboring clubs are particularly pronounced. The well-known derbies, such as Nuremberg against Bayern or Cologne against Gladbach, cause heated discussions because they are often more than just a game. It’s about pride, honor and the identity of the respective community. But these rivalries are not only found at the highest level, but also in the lower leagues, where theMeeting of two neighboring towns becomes real spectacle. Already in the post-war period, these games were often characterized by conflicts, fisticuffs and tensions because the closeness and historical connectedness increased the rivalry. For people, the away game was a challenge where you had to prepare for everything so as not to get into conflictadvised.

The close connection between neighbors: common challenges and obligations

But the rivalries between neighbors not only go deep on a sporting level, but also on a social level. The proximity often brings with it similar challenges, from natural disasters such as floods to epidemics that are spreading in the communities. As early as the 13th century, the oldest German legal books, such as theSachsenspiegel, the neighboring villages are obliged to cooperate. It was regulated that the residents of neighboring communities had to build and maintain dykes together to prevent flooding. Such legal requirements show that the need for cooperation was already recognized at that time. In practice, this meant that neighbors had to help each other toto secure their existence. These obligations were essential to protect communities from the forces of nature and to ensure survival.

The historical chaos: customs, borders and the small German state of affairs

But the actual political and economic borders within Germany were anything but uniform and stable for a long time. The multitude of small states, principalities and cities led to a real jumble of units of measurement, currencies and customs tariffs. In 1790 there were about 1800 different customs borders in the German countries, which trade and theexchange made much more difficult. Goods were checked up to eighty times on the way from Königsberg to Cologne, which made smooth logistics almost impossible. This chaos was gradually overcome with the founding of the German Customs Association in 1833 and the Association of the German Empire in 1871. but the inner-German borders were only the harbingers of future onesConflicts that should be even more serious. The borders between the German states were only small pre-history compared to the later political divisions that divided the country into two worlds, in two worlds.

The German division: borders, walls and separation

The so-called inner German separation became visible above all by the division of Germany after the Second World War. The Berlin Wall, an imposing and threatening building, became a symbol of the German division. For over 28 years she separated East and West, destroyed families and friends, cut cities and interrupted the exchange between people who were previously closely linkedwere. The GDR government strictly controlled the social life of its citizens, and attempts to escape were punished with severe punishments or death. The fence between East and West was much more than just a physical barrier: He was a symbol of the political and ideological gulf that tore the country torn. While the people in the West continued to keep in touch, the communication between theNeighbors on both sides of the fence severely restricted, almost impossible. Although people lived in the same language and culture, the walls that separated them were both physical and mental at the same time. This division left deep wounds that could only be healed slowly.

Personal hostilities and conflicts: When closeness becomes a conflict

Wherever the behavior required by social values is undermined by personal hostilities or conflicts of interest, conflicts arise that are characterized by a special sharpness and permanence. These oppositions, who see themselves as opposites to the idealized expectations of society, are often particularly hurtful because they are in closeroots in personal relationships. They are difficult to overcome because they manifest themselves in interpersonal relationships and are reinforced by repeated conflicts. Tensions between individuals, which are characterized by personal hostilities, can destabilize the entire community and have an impact for a long time to come. The conflicts are exacerbated by theAffected people are usually very safe in their positions and hardly make any compromises. Such situations can be found in every society, whether at a small neighborhood or within large states, and often lead to an escalation that is difficult to contain again. The personal conflicts based on mutual distrust and misunderstandings,can divide entire communities and put a lasting strain on relationships.

The Germany case: From the Wall to Reunification

The last major German separation, which burdened the population for decades, ended in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall. After 28 years of separation, the Wall had become a sad symbol of a failed division. The call for an unification was loud, and finally, in the course of political changes in East and West Germany, reunification occurred.American President Ronald Reagan had already given the decisive impetus in 1987 with his famous demand “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall!”. The pressure on the Soviet leaders grew, and finally the wall was opened. Germany was reunited and the country began to heal the old wounds. but the hopes for a quick and completeThe harmonization of living conditions in the east and west were only partially fulfilled. The so-called “blossoming landscapes” in the East, which were promised by the federal government, often remained only empty promises. In reality, there are still deep differences between East and West today, which manifest themselves in cultural, economic and social aspects. Despite the politicalUnion still has tensions and reservations that make a real unity difficult. It seems as if East and West Germans still stand opposite as neighbors than as brothers or siblings, with old rivalries and cultural differences being difficult to overcome. The reunification project is therefore far from over, and the expectations that everythingturns out the same way before, are more of a wishful thinking. Instead, it becomes clear again and again that living together in a divided society is a long-term task in which mutual understanding and acceptance are required.