Let´s talk about the Mohr - and I do not mean the circle of stress...
Well, but let´s have a look, shall we (or skip it 😅):
And now let´s be a little incorrect. In the political way.
Did you have that book? A "Mohr" is a "negro" in German. Ten little lessons on life, in a cute way, for kids.
Do something stupid and... you "die", from ten only one survived... The book is off the list, "forbitten".
Another example: We had "Zigeunersauce" , "gypsy-sauce", I grew up with it, paprika was the main ingredient . Name not allowed anymore it´s "racist" (it was but a sauce, in HONOUR of those people!!!!).
We had "Negerkuss", a "negroe´s kiss", in Germany... forbitten, it´s now called Chocolate kiss.
I remember in school we sneaked out and got a Negerkuss-Brötchen, a "Chocolate-coated marshmallow treat" in a a bun (ewwww, back then my sweet tooth was still awake).
Now, some groups in Germany go for this, call it "racist". One couple wanted to claim this at a restaurant called "Zum Mohrenkopf" - "At the Mohr´s Head".
Let me tell you, you will laugh your head off!!!
In short: Andrew Onuegbu from Biafra in Africa got an invitation to study law at Boston University, but his parents were too poor.
He always loved everything German, "Made in Germany" made him happy, so instead he came here.
From being invited to study law he choose being a cook´s mate instead, in Kiel, Northern Germany. He always had an eye on what the chef did and once had to take her job and the guests LOVED his meals even more!
With financial help he made it to having his own restaurant and he named it "Zum Mohrenkopf"...
Why?
#1 In the Middle Ages in Germany it was an award for good food, given by "the Fürst", or prince. Like the Guide Michelin. It was cooked and served my a Mohr.
#2 He says he is a "Mohr" and he is proud of being it!
He lives here since 28 years and had but one bad experience - said couple came to his restaurant to complain about the restaurant´s name (the man was "black").
The man asked, "Brother, why do you work for the Naz#s?" - he replied he does not understand and they demanded to talk to the boss. "That would be me", he replied, but...
They did not believe him!!!
So, he answered, "OK, I go get the boss", went to the kitchen, checked the cooking, went back and said, "I am the boss, what can I do for you?".
They claimed he does not know what "Mohrenkopf" means! He does and explained why he choose it, too.
If you want to know more, for example what he says about Muhammed Ali etc, please read this article:here google translate does a more or less good job.
He also says people of different colors will always go at each other - I do not think so.
I remember the huge, tall, very "black" man in Varadero, Cuba, who overheard we were talking - in German - about what to do that day. In a Saxon German accent he gave us tipps! (Cuban people were allowed to go to GDR prior the fall of the wall).
To see the news in America and France hurts. To experience how some people from Afghanistan, Syria treat German women is another story...
What do YOU think? Is "Mohrenkopf" a name of pride or provocation?
Do YOU have places named similar and if so, yay or nay, I am for Yay.
Being half-German ain´t easy at times, either, but I met an old French soldier who just asked nice, friendly questions. We have to overcome all that darn stuff (my two cents).
He´s from (don´t tell him) the Northern Alps, but in the saga from Africa and he is proud of that chef!
P.S. Andrew speaks perfect German, just saying...
23 comments:
I guess I have to dissent here, Iris. I'm sure this man has his reasons for honoring his country and his new country, but racism is so widespread today, it isn't funny. It's derogatory and defaming, especially if it comes from someone other than the person saying it. I have quite a few black friends. It's OK when one walks up and calls another "Hey Nigger" in a complimentary gesture, but NOT when someone from another race says it.
I'm of British descent, so I'm a WASP. I live in a community that has Hispanics who would be offended if you called them a Spick. My neighborhood also has a lot of native Americans who don't want to be called Indians. And how would you feel if you were called a Nazi lover just because of where you lived? Words have meaning, whether we believe it or not.
BTW, there's a movement in the states to get rid of Cleveland Indians (a baseball team) who people want to change the name. Then there's the Kansas City Chiefs with their "Indian" chiefs on their helmets and shirts. People want those to go, too. Racism isn't just about blacks, but all nationalities. And that's MY 2 cents worth.
I thank you for your honest 2 cents! I do, truly!
Yes, it is, as said, sometimes hard to be half-German and having hence the relation to Naz#s, though I do think one should learn more about it. That little Austrian man, Hit#er, was good in speech and many men were too young to think about the truth! Plus the families were punished if the men and boys did not join.
See, I even have to use "#" for the names as otherwise I could be found by them.
I´m still not sure if Andrew did the right thing or not. I do believe he takes a bold step forward to overcome racism...
What does the color of our skin mean anyways? The character is what counts. the heart and mind, right?
And some have to be woken up. Why can I not buy a Negerkuss no more.
It´s a kiss to or from a black person, nothing more... on the cheeck, if you like.
I agree racism is bad, but I also think there are far too many people too quick to become offended. Do not call people racist names, but things, like sauces, shops etc that have had that name and maybe for a different reason, I don't think is racist. I do think chocolate kiss is better than negro kiss, but see nothing wrong with gypsy sauce. Negroes should be called negroes, but not the not-so-nice "nigger". I don't see why the American Indians are objecting to be called Indians, when that is what they are and we don't mean to be racist by saying it. Indians from India still get called Indians and they aren't making a fuss as far as I know. I think the whole "correctness" thing is going too far.
People are too quick to see Racism where there isn't any.
I especially see a "Mohr" was a compliment for good cooking!
Nigger is a bad word, as Na#i.
Yes, that "correctness" is out of bound, I agree with you.
I agree with Elizabeth. BTW it's the same here with the negerzoen (kuss) and the zigeurnersaus. It's a matter of progressing insight
It will be a looong way till we all agree, I reckon.
We say "French Bread", too, and that´s ok. On the other hand we have that "comic", "Bernd, the Bread" (I never watched it but think he is dumb...).
We need to accept and ... relax, I think.
I don't know what to think of it.
...I remember this book well, how times have changed and need to continue to change.
William, then do make up your mind, it´s important, I think...
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Tom I didn´t know this book came out in other languages, also.
Yes, times still have to change. And we have a start here...
The racism thing is really bad and even worse these days now because of resurgence of hate groups (did they ever go away or are they just more bold again?). I guess the question is .when does it become hurtful? For example, Elizabeth mentioned the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Indians. I don't necessarily see those as bad, but perhaps honoring. Our sports teams honor Vikings, for example. Should the Danes get mad? (The Indians did do away with their mascot, "Chief Wahoo," which was clearly stereotypical and the right thing to do.) However, the Washington Redskins? That name was changed and yes, it should have been. Others would disagree with me on the Chiefs and Indians.
There is a sensitivity issue to the topic, too, and often the bad names are born out of fear that they might hurt or damage someone. Think of the names names called by some to Japanese, Jews, Germans, that are derogatory -- and often those are started by people against them in war or because they are afraid. That's just wrong. But it becomes part of the lexicon and we have to fight harder to eliminate it. I am sure there are well meaning people who heard terminology as they grew up that don't have a mean bone in their body. But it doesn't make it right.
I think the only solution is for us all to think outside our own boxes and into the mind of the "other." Words hurt and we must try our hardest as a collective never to hurt, whether it is bullying, teasing or racism.
The season for getting offended is here I think. Social media gives platforms for the outrage too.
Jeanie, thank you for your comment, truly.
I agree with you.
Andrew thought out of the box and in all these years he had one bad confrontation - that is a good sign, is it!
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magiceye, yes, it´s for some a (stupid) platfoem, but we manage, right?
What is in a name, after all? It's just a name. But, people will always have to be politically correct.
I think just because something has been around doesn't make it something that should stay around. Racism is a terrible thing, and people feel empowered these days to show it. At least here in the US. The book and other terms might not have been mean as an insult originally, but now people might see it that way. Better to move forward and put bad things behind us.
gigi, I´m with you.
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Erika, I´m not sure. They tear down monuments in the US, but I think we do need to remember - and make it better?
Racism is everywhere but I believe there is more opposition to fight it. Here it is the Travelers that are looked down at but as times more forward, things and attitudes change. I don't believe there will be a world where there is no racism.
I agree, sadly. I don´t understand it, though. So many people proof it is possible to live as one...
I have many hobbies. I love to travel and read. But my favorite hobby is cooking. Let me tell you why! First, I'll tell you a little bit about why I started cooking. Secondly, I'll give you some information about what I like to cook. Third, I will say how I use the Blog ẩm thực for cooking.
When I started cooking, I was 10 years old. My mom wants me to be a chef. She has always believed that girls have to make different types of food, because one day they will get married. In my country, it is normal for girls not to cook. I feel lucky because I can cook many dishes. Now that I cook some of the dishes my children and husband love, I become happy and proud of my mother and myself. Foody
Hey Iris, in response to what Rain said, "NEGROS" do not like to be called that. They prefer BLACK. And "American Indians" don't care for that, either. They are NATIVE AMERICANS and were here when my and many other ancestors arrived on these shores.
Even our Vice Presidential pick is of Indian descent. She is NOT from Native American descent, but from Indian (as from India) descent. Some might think political correctness goes too far, but words matter and have meaning. Just like BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Sorry, I meant RIVER, not Rain.
We call them "Schwarze", "black", but many are brown, creme, we´re all humans.
Come too much heat and I have to stick with Ingo - who walks fast - I´m red like a a lobster... It´s sad we cannot overcome skin colors, seemingly!
Yet, we, certainly too, have mean words.
Rain and River is both water, so, no worries 😀
Foody, I was not allowed in the kitchen, I only learned cooking now! Or rather.... learning!
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