Politicization of the Youth in Germany – Two Case-Studies about Protest Movements

In this paper I want to explore the criminalization and politicization of young left-radicals (anti-germans) through the use of biographical methods. I found a connection to migrants that became graffiti-artists and gang-members in the 1990s in Frankfurt am Main, because of their experience of racism and disregard in the German host society. After the German reunification a new form of politicization took place as well as on the political left side of society as on the side of migrants. The attacks on the home for people seeking asylum in Rostock, Mölln and Hoyerswerda led to other aspects of politicization that will be discussed. Both groups felt affected by this situation. In the session I would like to present two cases. The first one is about the approach of an anti-german activist. The second one deals with a former gang-member from the 90s. Both cases are based on narrative interviews and participant observation for example the ways of acting in demonstrations.