In the course of this paper, the used methods of constructing reality by both movements will be analysed and compared to each other, pointing out possible differences (in their realisation). Further, this text will then portrait the different political messages each movement is trying to convey, specifying the underlying ideological frameworks. Moreover, the question of this paper should be answered: What is the reason for choosing similar methods of constructing reality, if both movements try to convey an individual message. Concluding, this paper will try to assess the gathered insights and try to embed the issue in the macro-social discourse of national identity and the strengthening of far-right movements in Germany.
Table of Contents
1. The anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement in Germany and Michael Kurzwelly’s social project Słubfurt – Why are both using the same methods of constructing identity to convey different political messages?
2. Perspectives
Objectives & Topics
This paper examines why two ideologically opposing entities — the anti-constitutional "Reichsbürger" movement and Michael Kurzwelly's transnational art project "Słubfurt" — utilize identical methods of constructing reality and identity to achieve vastly different political outcomes. By analyzing their mechanisms of self-governance, institutional mimicry, and the formation of in-group communities, the research aims to understand the sociological and political significance of these identity-constructing strategies within the contemporary German discourse.
- Sociological analysis of reality construction and "Othering".
- Comparison of institutional structures (parliaments vs. law courts) in alternative projects.
- The role of symbols, documents, and parallel economies in claiming sovereignty.
- The impact of ideology on the perception and legitimacy of these projects.
- Political influence of conspiracy theories and populism on social cohesion.
Excerpt from the Book
Constructing the reality
Constructing the reality refers to the sociological assumption, that every person has its own perception of reality. By interpreting the reality, with the help of individual experiences, prioritisation of values and social background, each individual makes sense of its own reality. Within an individual reality, it is therefore possible to construct additional facts and modify the reality, agreed on by the general public. In detail, this means, that an individual can in fact deny the existence of the federal Republic of Germany, by simply modifying his own individually perceived reality. It is even possible, to invite other individuals to participate in this modifying of reality.
However, the construction of reality not only allows individuals to deny the existence of a state. Moreover, the construction of reality is a tool, through which national states can exist in the first place. Michael Kurzwelly describes it in his presentation, which can be found online. “And if we view it like this, reality is just an agreement. Up to this date we agreed on being polish on this side and Germany being on the other side and so on. Now, we simply say no, that is not true, that is not right. Someone just invented it and therefore it can also be completely different.”7. Following his idea, national states would exist through a plurality of modifications on reality. If a state would rely on the majority of its people to continue its existence, then several people could claim a state on their own. This would be a logical conclusion regarding the effects of the construction of reality. Nevertheless, national states as gigantic institutions are equipped with political infrastructure. But the existing methods, that national states utilize to manifest their authority are also used by various smaller groups that envision their own state.
Summary of Chapters
The anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement in Germany and Michael Kurzwelly’s social project Słubfurt – Why are both using the same methods of constructing identity to convey different political messages?: This chapter introduces the two projects, outlines the core research question regarding identity construction, and provides the methodological approach of participatory observation within the "Reichsbürger" milieu and the "Słubfurt" project.
Perspectives: This section concludes the analysis by contrasting the exclusionary, anti-democratic nature of the "Reichsbürger" with the inclusive, transnational goals of Michael Kurzwelly, while highlighting the dangers that "Othering" and the manipulation of reality pose to modern democratic systems.
Keywords
Reichsbürger, Słubfurt, Michael Kurzwelly, Identity Construction, Reality Construction, Othering, Conspiracy Theories, Nationalism, Transnationalism, Sovereignty, Political Communication, Populism, Social Projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the sociological phenomenon of how two highly different groups—the extremist Reichsbürger and the artistic, transnational project Słubfurt—employ similar methods of constructing reality and identity to assert their own sovereignty.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the construction of in-group identity, the use of institutional mimicry (parliaments, courts), the creation of parallel currency systems, and the ideological differences regarding national versus transnational belonging.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to understand why these ideologically disparate groups choose the same tools for reality construction and to assess how these methods affect the societal discourse on national identity and far-right movements.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The research relies on the methodology of participatory observation, a common practice in cultural science, supplemented by the analysis of journalistic reports and literature concerning the worldviews of the mentioned groups.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the rejection of the German state, the importance of "Grundgesetz" vs. "Verfassung" in movement rhetoric, the use of documents and symbols for identification, and the role of "Othering" in isolating community members from the majority.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Reichsbürger, identity construction, Othering, conspiracy mindset, transnationalism, and democratic critique.
How do Reichsbürger use law courts to bolster their ideology?
Reichsbürger often establish or cite fictitious "law courts" to grant their movement a facade of bureaucratic authority, allowing them to exert pressure on administrative workers and act against those they perceive as enemies.
What is the significance of "ZeitBank Czasu" in Słubfurt?
The "ZeitBank Czasu" (Time Bank) serves as a parallel economic system where time is materialized into currency. This reinforces the project's community bonds while providing a practical, symbolic alternative to the conventional financial system.
How does "Othering" function within these groups?
Othering serves to define the group identity by creating a sharp contrast between the "woke" in-group and the "discredited" out-group, effectively insulating members from outside arguments and reinforcing their ideological beliefs.
What is the author's conclusion regarding the threat posed by these groups?
The author concludes that while the projects use similar methods, the Reichsbürger movement poses a real, anti-constitutional danger to the democratic system, whereas Słubfurt serves as a form of critical, multicultural utopia.
- Quote paper
- Timotheus Meiß (Author), 2020, The anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement in Germany and Michael Kurzwelly's social project Słubfurt, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1030791
