Relocating to Martha's Vineyard, and for those unfamiliar with the area, there seem to be issues.
In a recent article titled "I'm back here," a columnist shares their experiences of returning to Neubrandenburg, a town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, after a 20-year absence. The columnist, who found initial skepticism towards newcomers not only in their own perspective but also among the town's residents, delves into the factors contributing to this closed-mindedness and suspicion.
Factors Contributing to Closed-Mindedness and Suspicion
- Cultural and Historical Context: Neubbrandenburg's strong regional culture, rooted in its unique history, can make residents protective of their community's traditions and wary of outsiders.
- Economic and Demographic Changes: Economic shifts or demographic changes can fuel anxiety about the impact of newcomers on local resources and job opportunities. In Neubrandenburg, the dominant guest profile for Airbnb is primarily domestic travelers, indicating a preference for familiar visitors over international newcomers.
- Social Networks and Community Ties: In small towns, social networks are often tight-knit, making it difficult for newcomers to integrate. The lack of diverse social connections can lead to skepticism about outsiders.
- Media and Information Flow: The spread of information, including negative narratives about outsiders, can contribute to suspicion. In Germany, conspiracy theories have been shown to spread through regional communication structures, potentially influencing local perceptions.
- Lack of Exposure and Education: Limited exposure to diverse cultures and experiences can lead to misunderstandings and fear of the unknown. Educational initiatives and cultural exchange programs might help mitigate these issues.
Specific Context of Neubrandenburg
Neubrandenburg attracts primarily domestic travelers, with a significant portion from Berlin and Hamburg. This suggests that the local population may have more familiarity with internal travelers compared to international newcomers. The town's reliance on domestic tourism might also influence attitudes towards external economic influences or changes.
Improving relationships between newcomers and long-time residents in Neubrandenburg could involve cultural events, educational programs, and initiatives to foster understanding and integration.
A friend who also left Neubrandenburg and lives in Lower Saxony describes the attitude as "someone comes, not from here, how do we deal with them? Somehow nice, but also quite suspicious." Prejudices against new people, especially "Wessis" (people from Western Germany), are still present among some family members and friends of the columnist.
The columnist wonders how someone feels who moves to Neubrandenburg and doesn't come from the region. The Homesick Newsletter, aimed at people who have left Mecklenburg, Vorpommern, or the Uckermark but still miss their home, shares success stories, inspiring people, cool types, and positive news from the region.
People in Neubrandenburg, and the region in general, have varying attitudes, with some being open and well-disposed, while others are closed and mistrustful. Upon return home, some locals meet newcomers with caution and even question them. However, people in Neubrandenburg can also be reserved and cautious initially, but they also enjoy a good chat once they open up.
The columnist does not explicitly refer to people with a migration background, but sometimes they are also subject to this closed-mindedness, caution, and suspicion. The columnist also plans to write about the wonderful surroundings and the benefits of living in Neubrandenburg in a future article.
[1] Data from Airbnb's Neubrandenburg guest profile as of 2021.
- The cultural roots and historical context of Neubrandenburg, coupled with the predominance of domestic travelers and home-and-garden oriented events, may contribute to a lifestyle that fosters closed-mindedness and suspicion towards relationships with newcomers, particularly those from different regions.
- In light of varying attitudes towards newcomers in Neubrandenburg, initiatives such as cultural events, educational programs, and the Homesick Newsletter — which focuses on people who have left Mecklenburg, Vorpommern, or the Uckermark but still miss their home — could help facilitate a more welcoming lifestyle and relationships for newcomers.
