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freedorns that a truly democratic gov–
ernment guarantees. One can see that a
people taught and governed in this
fashion for so rnany years would
become alienated from freedom. Dec–
ades of propaganda have had an effect
on thcir thinking.
In this cornmunist nation, much of
the rnilitary life reminds one of the
Third Reich. Soldiers stiU
goose-step
and wear uniforms reminiscent of Wehr–
macht times. They justify this by
explaining it would look too rnuch like
German subservience to the U.S.S.R. if
thei r uniforms did not look German
enough . (The Soviet helmets they wear
are presurnably a token of friendship.)
Youths are encouraged to join the
FDJ
(Free German Youth) and other para–
military movements, not much different
from H itler times. In these organiza–
tions, flags, banners, marches and
parades form an integral part of their
training. And so does practice shooting.
The tone of propaganda is a mixture of
Marxism and Prussian militarism. Prus–
sian militarism, one must not forget,
originated
m
what is presently East
Gerrnany.
Though no youngster is forced to
join these movements, it is nonetheless a
stepping-stone to a better job, a better
position and generally a more secure
future for those showing a devout zeal.
Much attention and a great deal of
financia! aid is givcn these youth rnove–
ments since they are the main means by
wh ich the Statc exerts its influence over
the younger generation.
The overall purpose in this t raining
is that each child, each adolescent
youth, each adult will be conditioned
not
to think politically for himself. In
the socialist system, there is
110
room for
it~dependent
political tho11ght.
No one
dares do anything on his own initiative.
The constant parades, the frequent
marches, the colorful flags and the
meaningful banners are purposely
included to give the impression of unity
and togctherness - working as a unit
and not as individuals.
Ex-Nazis
in Government
That this military pornp and cere–
mony is reminiscent of Hitler days
should come as no surprise if one real·
izes that many influential men in the
The
PLAIN TRUTH
March 1971
LIFE IN THE OTHER GERMANY
-
Below,
on example of East Germany's industrial might.
Center, East Germen border guard - symbol
of a divided Germany. Top right, Berlín Wall,
dividing East from West. Middle right, shoppers
stroll alang Unter den Linden, East Berlin's fash–
ionable shopping street.
Ambonodor
Co lle!Je
Photos
Bottom -
Ponoromo Photo