Mayor Meyer and Mayor Wendsche against "Winnetou" censorship

The recent discussion about racism and so-called "cultural appropriation" in connection with the works of Karl May has not only moved the people of St. Ingbert, but the citizens of the twin town of Radebeul have been particularly affected. Bert Wendsche, Lord Mayor of Radebeul, is also unable to understand the discussion surrounding the works of Karl May. The two mayors are not only closely connected through the town twinning, they are also in regular contact with each other. This led to the agreement to issue a joint statement.

"Culture thrives on artists developing and portraying imagination, which therefore does not have to reflect reality. That is the innermost core of creative work and action! Art does not always have to please everyone. Artistic freedom is not a gift from the state or society! It is guaranteed by our constitution," according to the conviction of Lord Mayor Dr Ulli Meyer.

Radebeul's Lord Mayor Bert Wendsche emphasised: "I can only endorse the open letter from the Karl May Society and the Karl May Foundation. May's late work "And Peace on Earth" in particular is an eloquent testimony to his humanistic attitude and the peace of nations that he wanted to achieve. Freedom of thought was probably a great asset to him, and this can only be a model for us today. In any case, a worthwhile read."

Due to criticism from individuals, Ravensburger recently stopped the delivery of two new "Winnetou children's books". An excerpt from the open letter from the Karl May Society and the Karl May Foundation reads as follows: "In this context, Karl May, who is often reduced to a few film clichés, deserves a differentiated view. His extremely influential representation of non-European cultures has itself long been a part of European cultural history and an instructive example of a productive and author-reflexive encounter with alterity. Precisely because prejudices are assumed, verbalised, fought against and overcome in his texts, he is by no means 'outdated', but is also a worthwhile read for the 21st century."

Karl May was born in Hohenstein-Ernstthal in 1842 and died in Radebeul in 1912. His last residence, Villa Shatterhand, is now home to the Karl May Museum. He actually spent almost two months on the east coast of the United States in autumn 1908 at the age of 66, visiting New York and Boston, among other places.