Racing track disruptions and antipathy towards humans: Sexism on the Nürburgring racetrack
At the current celebration happening at the Nürburgring, a popular motorsport destination, the party atmosphere is dominant, but it's not all fun and games for everyone. Asilaweta Fatesch, a journalist and media communication student with a focus on social media, equality, and feminism, shares her experiences of feeling violated and demeaned during the event.
Fatesch's goal with her writing is to foster societal discussions and make new perspectives visible. However, at the celebration, she found herself uncomfortable due to the looks, remarks, and groups of men who guard paths and make sexist comments.
Inappropriate behavior towards women, such as unwanted touching and sexual comments, is common and often goes unchallenged at the event. Some men, even fathers, make comments about women in a way that seems to normalize such behavior. This casualness and self-evidence of inappropriate behavior is what causes the unease felt by Fatesch and others.
Representations of naked women are commonly found on pavilions and construction fences, and a porn video is playing on a screen near a grill. Some people laugh and film at the porn video, and no one appears to object. A black sex doll with bright red lips and grotesque proportions is hung on a flagpole, adding to the discomfort.
Thousands of people are attending the celebration, participating in the party. Yet, the unease is not due to loud slogans or open aggression, but rather the casualness and self-evidence of inappropriate behavior.
This article is part of an Open Source initiative by a Berlin publisher, which allows anyone to submit texts with relevant content and professional quality standards. Selected contributions, like Fatesch's, are published and remunerated under the Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), allowing for non-commercial use under attribution of the author and the Berliner Zeitung, and excluding any modification.
It's important to note that a Club Commission was held after a rape incident in the KitKat Club in Berlin, highlighting the need for stricter measures and a commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all attendees.
Music, grilled meat, and beer are prevalent at the celebration, but for some, the festivities are marred by discomfort and a lack of respect for women. Fatesch's piece serves as a reminder that such behavior is unacceptable and that conversations about societal norms and expectations are necessary for change.
