Discussion about gestures - Saarland has no ban on the seal-fist gesture
The Saarland intends to allow the so-called "Silence Monkey" gesture, which signifies quietness, in Kindergartens and schools. However, a spokesperson for the Education Ministry in Saarbrücken informed the German Press Agency that such "commands" are no longer up-to-date in the context of an inclusive and democratic language education. We also emphasize this in further and continuing education and when appropriate.
The "Wolf Salute" involves forming the thumb, middle, and ring finger into a sort of snout, while the index and little finger form something like ears. This gesture is generally seen as indicating allegiance or sympathy towards the Turkish far-right Ulkucu movement and its ideology. The similar-looking "Silence Monkey" sign caused controversy during the Football European Championship.
Despite the "Silence Monkey" sign occasionally appearing in Saarland kindergartens and schools, "but of course in a completely different context than the currently discussed Wolf Salute," the spokesperson emphasized. We welcome the discussion, for instance, about the totalitarian attitude that comes with such communicative symbols.
The Education Ministry in Saarbrücken, located in Saarland, has expressed that the "Wolf's greeting" is outdated in the context of their inclusive and democratic language education. The spokesperson mentioned this in both regular education and further and continuing education.
Despite the controversy surrounding the "Silence Monkey" sign during the Football European Championship, it has been observed in kindergartens and schools in Saarland, albeit in a different context.
The German Press Agency reported that the Education Ministry in Saarbrücken is against the use of "commands" in schools, including gestures like the "Wolf Salute" and "Silence Monkey," which are often associated with right-wing extremists.
Right-wing extremists have been known to use the "Wolf Salute" as a gesture of allegiance to the Turkish far-right Ulkucu movement, adding another layer of concern to the debate about such gestures in Saarland schools.
