There's Still a Wall in Berlin with Arwen Puteri

Dr. Arwen Puteri, a historian of contemporary Europe, examines how West Germans constantly and consistently disrespected and delegitimized East-German culture and accomplishments in politics, the arts, and everyday life. She argues that the work of East Germans and their accomplishments were not evaluated based on their merit but rather on their East-German origin or East-German party affiliation. By recognizing the magnitude of this wide-ranging disrespect that is constantly and consistently manifested, Dr. Puteri provides a counter-narrative of the “Jammerossi” (the whining East German), as East Germans are often berated when complaining about the status quo.

Dr. Arwen Puteri has a Ph.D. in History from the University of South Florida.

Artwork by Nacer Ahmadi: IG @x.filezzz