Condemning Discrimination and Instigation: A Call to Action Against Hatred
In the heart of Stuttgart, the Ministry of the Interior is playing host to a thought-provoking exhibition titled "Sympathetic against Hate and Incitement". This poignant display, created by journalist and artist Uwe Kaiser, dares to look beyond the facade of the uniform and focuses on the people who wear them.
Thomas Strobl, the Interior Minister of Baden-Württemberg, gave the opening speech for the exhibition, acknowledging the challenges faced by the police family in 2024. He recalled an incident in Mannheim where a police officer lost his life from the effects of a stabbing attack.
The exhibition features extra-large photos of police officers presented on easels that balance on wooden pallets. Visitors can immerse themselves in these portraits, gaining a deeper understanding of the individuals behind the uniforms. A selfie wall invites visitors to join the police family with their own face, fostering a sense of unity and empathy.
Two media stations in the exhibition offer interviews, providing visitors with a chance to hear first-hand accounts from those who wear the uniform. The exhibition also includes a scrapbook and clipboards with decorative covers that reveal insults when turned over, serving as a stark reminder of the hate and incitement faced by these individuals.
Strobl described the exhibition as having a "serious background", yet it is not without hope. The exhibition is growing, with more portraits and stories being added by the artist. After its run in Stuttgart, the exhibition is planned to tour the country as a traveling exhibition, reaching various cities in Baden-Württemberg.
A new participant in the exhibition is Eva-Maria Schlosser, whose portrait is part of the growing collection. The exhibition is currently on display in the Ministry of the Interior in Stuttgart for another two weeks, offering a valuable opportunity for the public to engage with this powerful and timely exhibition.
