Say No to Instrumentalization

How German media and political parties manipulate public opinion to advance their agenda

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The truth is, knowledge opens doors and bans close them.

We’ve never demanded any bans—not a single one. We focus on education to enable understanding. Trying to shift one’s own perspective is essential.

Over the years, we’ve repeatedly witnessed the same cycle. Individuals or groups who are aware of the importance of decolonization raise concerns about practices that should be reconsidered, because they date back to the colonial era, might be viewed as cultural appropriation, or hurt the feelings of those who's ancestors survived a genocide and endured a lot in order to keep traditions alive. Within hours, German media and political parties turn it into a calculated fabrication - falsely framed as a ‘ban’ - aimed at emotional manipulation. Two examples:

  • The alleged demand to cancel Winnetou - a fictional character created by German author Karl May - was a calculated construct lacking any foundation.
  • Likewise, the fabricated demand for a ban on "Indian costumes" (in German: "Indianerkostüme") follows a similar pattern.

This time, a German daycare center renamed its summer festival to "Pferde und Ponys" ("Horses and Ponies") after one or more parents expressed concerns. As seen in previous cases, misleading headlines surfaced once more—among them, the provocative claim:

"Indianerfest verboten" – "Indian festival banned."

So far, we have no details about how this all unfolded, but it did not happen the way the German media and political parties are portraying it. The summer festival was renamed; there is no question of it being banned.

Additional reading:

No Room for Instrumentalization

Stereotypes and "Indian" Costumes

Native American Points of View


Last update:
August 2, 2025