Action against Extremism - Ude is betting 100,000 signatures against racism
Former Mayor Christian Ude (SPD) and singer and actor Ron Williams are launching a bet in Munich to send a signal against right-wing extremism, antisemitism, and racism. Williams, who has long been engaged against discrimination and hate speech, challenged the former mayor to collect 100,000 signatures by October 1st. This was announced by the "Not with us" association, which was recently founded by the two, among others.
In times when hate and hate speech are spreading more and more, and extremist ideas are finding increasing support, it is crucial not only to show presence but also to take action.
Five signatures per minute
From Friday, Munich residents can sign the petition on large rolls of paper. To win the bet, around five signatures per minute are needed on average, according to the organizers.
Two 500-meter-long rolls of paper will be available on sunny days from 12:00 to 16:00 at various locations in the city center - Marienplatz, Stachus, Odeonsplatz, and Viktualienmarkt - as well as at the Seehaus in the English Garden. According to the organizers, around 100 signatures fit on each running meter of the 1.20-meter-wide roll. If the space is not sufficient, there will be a third reserve roll.
There was a test run last weekend - around 3,000 people signed at Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz.
Afterwards, the signatures will be digitized and the original rolls will be added to the collection of the Munich City Museum. What the bet is about remains secret for now. In any case, a closing event is planned.
The initiative by The SPD's former Mayor Ude and Ron Williams, through their "Not with us" association, aims to gather 100,000 signatures against right-wing extremism, antisemitism, and racism. The SPD, with their current project, is demonstrating the importance of taking tangible actions against the rising wave of hate and extremist ideas.
