Controversial Gestures - Bayern allows the use of Seal-headed mascots for teachers
Despite its similarity to the far-right Wolf Salute, the so-called Silent Dog in Bavarian schools and kindergartens should not be banned. "Whether and when the Silent Dog or other methods/measures for promoting social and work behavior are used is decided by the teacher," a spokesperson for the Munich Culture Ministry stated.
Bremen calls for the abandonment of
In no federal state is a general ban on this gesture planned, yet there has been an appeal in Bremen for some time now not to use the Silent Dog anymore. The "political meaning of the Wolf Salute" is absolutely incompatible with the fundamental attitude of Bremer kindergartens and schools.
No such information is available from the Munich Culture Ministry. "In general, a learning-conducive atmosphere and a positive, respectful school and classroom climate are important prerequisites so that children can learn well and enjoy going to school," they said in response to inquiries about the handling of the Silent Dog. This task is being actively implemented by primary school teachers.
Silent dog has been used in schools for years
"This also includes the fact that teachers, in addition to topic-related conversations with the class or at school meetings for promoting social behavior, also use child-friendly non-verbal methods that can go hand in hand with acoustic signals or gestures," the spokesperson emphasized.
It is important that meaning and concrete handling are thoroughly discussed with the children in the lesson. "This also applies to the so-called Silent Dog, which has been used by teachers individually for many years."
Fingers form an snout-like shape
With the Wolf Salute, just like with the Silent Dog, the Thumb, Middle, and Ring Fingers are formed into a snout-like shape. The Index Finger and pinky form the ears. The gesture usually expresses loyalty or sympathy with the Turkish far-right Ulkucu Movement and its ideology. During the European Football Championship, it caused a stir because a Turkish national player used it in celebration.
The Cultus Ministry in Germany, specifically in Munich, has not indicated any plans to ban the use of the Silent Dog in schools or kindergartens, despite its resemblance to the controversial Wolf Salute. This is in contrast to Bremen, where there have been calls to abandon the Silent Dog due to its perceived political connotations being incompatible with the school's fundamental attitude.
The Silent Dog, a non-verbal method used by teachers, involves forming fingers into a snout-like shape, similar to the Wolf Salute. This gesture has been used in schools for many years, serving as a tool to promote social behavior and learning-conducive environments.
It's worth noting that the Wolf Salute, like the Silent Dog, uses specific finger positions to create a snout-like shape. However, the Wolf Salute has a different connotation and is often associated with the Turkish far-right Ulkucu Movement and its ideology, causing controversy, especially in public events like the European Football Championship.
Despite the similarity in gestures, it is essential to thoroughly discuss the meanings and proper handling of both the Wolf Salute and the Silent Dog with children in the classroom to ensure a positive, respectful, and educational environment.
