The VHS’s new event format “Oldenburg speaks” promotes controversial debates

At “Oldenburg speaks” at the adult education center, people with opposing opinions on immigration, climate policy and the war in Ukraine met. Hiltrud Boomgaarden and James Mead tell us what they experienced.

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Oldenburg – Looking beyond the edge of your own world broadens your horizons and enables new perspectives to be explored, which you may or may not like. Hiltrud Boomgaarden and James Mead feel enriched. They looked beyond the edge of their world and immersed themselves in the completely different reality of another person whom they had probably never met. Both took part in “Oldenburg speaks”, a new event format at the adult education center. There they were placed at a table with another person who had an opposing opinion on some fairly significant issues. Then there was discussion.

Discussion material for a colorful evening

Here come the eight questions, The participants of “Oldenburg speaks” responded in advance and were the basis for the formation of the discussion tandem. If you feel like it, use the questions for a (discussion) evening among friends, family or for the company Christmas party. Should the city center in Oldenburg be car-free? Should high-rise buildings be built in Oldenburg so that there are enough apartments for everyone? Should charitable work be a justification for everyone? Should immigration be based only on the needs of the labor market? Are people from all over the world welcome in Oldenburg? Should Germany continue to supply weapons to Ukraine? Do women and men have the same opportunities in Germany? Do all children in Germany have the same opportunities?

Worry about shredding

“I was previously worried that I would have to really make a fuss here,” says Hiltrud Boomgaarden: “But then I had a great conversation with someone with a very different, constructive assessment of life in Germany.” All participants had answered eight questions in advance. Should Oldenburg be car-free? Should immigration only be based on the labor market? Should Germany continue to supply weapons to Ukraine? Are there equal opportunities between the sexes in Germany? James Mead only agreed with his counterpart on two points: “We noticed that our opinions are only shaped by our own experiences.” But we were able to understand each other well.”

interview

Don’t freak out

And that’s exactly what “Oldenburg speaks” is all about: exchanging ideas, dealing with controversies, allowing other points of view to apply and not freaking out or ducking your head if the other person takes a position that you find completely wrong. This is called discussion. This includes giving the other person the right to their own opinion. He deserves serious credit for this different attitude. – Actually a given in a value system in which freedom of expression is firmly anchored.

Low mood since Corona

But why are events like “Oldenburg speaks” needed? Surveys show that many people – more than 40 percent – have the impression that they can no longer express their opinions freely. Hiltrud Boomgaarden (67) knows this feeling: “In my environment there is much more discussion about politics than ever before.” But I also know that friendships have been divided by different opinions. A lot has changed in the mood in society since Corona. And after Corona, the Ukraine war added to this mood.” The Oldenburg native feels the irritation in society, observes with concern the condemnations and hostilities in connection with expressions of opinion, and she notices the worries that accompany the current crises. But: “For me, democracy means being able to express my opinion at any point and to do so.” She thinks it is important to “maintain small private conversations that make a difference,” but also “to be loud in public.” to defend our value system. She was happy to represent her position at “Oldenburg speaks” and was happy to listen to her counterpart.

Keyword understanding

“Everyone was open to hearing and understanding other opinions,” says 34-year-old James Mead, describing what he sees as the cornerstone of a functioning society. He came to Oldenburg from Australia shortly before the pandemic to work at the university here. “I only work with foreigners: Chinese, Indians, Pakistanis.” We discuss a lot about politics, about German politics. We always disagree and sometimes it’s difficult. But we can do it.” The 67-year-old and the 34-year-old are sure: Dialogue is needed – face to face. Completely classic. “Social media makes everything black and white. The solutions shown there are none. “Everything is relatively complex, there are no easy solutions,” says the Australian, who goes beyond the edge of his world and looks into that of an 18-year-old immigrant in “Oldenburg speaks”. The two stay in touch and are not at the end of their discussion. “And I would like to talk to you too,” Mead and Boomgaarden say to each other. There is a lot to discuss and discuss.