Controversial Gestures - No plan for a Seanook Taboo in Hesse
Even though there are similarities with the controversial Wolf Salute - a ban on the Silence Fuchs gesture is not planned in Hessian Kindergartens and Schools. "Our teachers decide independently whether introduced pedagogical methods such as the Silence Fuchs or Leisefuchs are used," a spokesperson for the Culture Ministry in Wiesbaden told dpa on inquiry. "There are no bans with us." Previously, there had been media reports that the city of Bremen had banned the Silence Fuchs from Kindergartens and Schools due to its resemblance to the Wolf Salute.
The Hessian Social Ministry referred to the fact that the Kindergarten providers are free in the educational and methodical design of their work. Therefore, no ban has been pronounced yet. "Furthermore, we have no indications of misuse of the gesture in hessian Kindergartens," the Ministry added. The Ministry also referred to the fact that the Wolf Salute is not banned.
In the Wolf Salute, the Thumb, Middle and Ring Finger are formed into a kind of snout. Index Finger and the little Finger form something like ears. The salute usually expresses loyalty or sympathy with the Turkish right-wing Ulkucu Movement and its ideology. During the Football European Championship, the sign caused a stir because a Turkish national player used it in celebration. The similarly formed Silence Fuchs, however, is supposed to establish a calm group or learning situation.
- In contrast to some misconceptions, Hesse's schools have not considered banning the "Wolf's Greeting" or the Silence Fuchs, as confirmed by a representative from the Culture Ministry in Wiesbaden.
- Recent discussions about extremism in schools have not led to any specific prohibitions against right-wing extremist gestures like the Wolf Salute in Hessian educational institutions.
- Despite the controversy surrounding the Wolf Salute and its association with right-wing extremists, Hesse's schools have not felt the necessity to adopt similar policies in regards to the Silence Fuchs in Wiesbaden.
