It was a single gesture that sparked a wave of controversy in German society. In the midst of the election campaign, chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrück posed for the front cover of Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazine, defiantly showing his middle finger for all to see (Stinkefinger in German). His intention was clear: He wanted to distinguish himself from Angela Merkel’s controlled and polished image. Merkel, who’s known for maintaining a proper appearance, never seems to leave her comfort zone. Her composed posture with daintily placed hands in a diamond shape has become a trademark — one that she has wholeheartedly embraced.
While Merkel always chooses her words and actions carefully in the interest of political correctness and generally avoids critical statements, some say that Steinbrück’s approach was actually better suited for Germany’s culture, a culture that is known for being direct and often blunt in communication.
Surely, Steinbrück calculated the risks and must have considered the German public’s reaction before taking such a bold stance on a widely read publication. "I say what I think, and I do what I say," he said. Many were shocked by his behavior and thought it crass for a political candidate, but others welcomed it as amusing. Some even created social media fan clubs and photo collages in its honor—seeing the middle finger as a necessary rebellion against the old guard of German politics and a harbinger of political openness in a historically straightforward culture.
Angela Merkel was eventually reelected, and many wonder if Steinbrück’s cheeky magazine cover cost him votes. But the fact that a high-profile political candidate would try this at all says something important about German culture. Having spent much of my life in Germany, I can attest to the fact that most Germans value outspokenness, direct communication, and usually say what they think even at the risk of ruffling a few feathers. However, most still have an idea of what is and isn't appropriate, especially for public officials.
Do you think Steinbrück’s gesture was an appropriate choice in German culture? Or did he underestimate Germany's values of proper and correct behavior?
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