Dear danacgm,
Since I am German, not much hunting will be necessary for answering
this question ... and I even know the song you refer to (yes, the
humorous song about Columbus).
Now, as for the meaning of the word "Wilden" ... first, "die Wilden"
is the plural form of "der Wilde". Literally, it means "the wild one",
"the savage". Of course, the meaning also depends very much on the
respective context the word is used in.
In the past, "die Wilden" was also an utterly simplifying synonym for
"natives of non-civilized regions". Its use was not limited to any
specific ethnicities - it was used for any people or tribe that
appeared to be savage or uncivilized in the eyes of Central Europeans.
In this respect, it might be called a derogatory term. But it is
hardly used with this meaning today anymore.
Please note that this song, the word is used to achieve humorous
effect - the song is not meant to deliver a depreciatory statement on
the cultural level of American Indians. I can't imagine that even
advocators of political correctness would consider this song
offensive.
Regards,
Scriptor |
Request for Answer Clarification by
danacgm-ga
on
27 Nov 2005 15:28 PST
Scriptor!
Once again you have helped me with my article! I was hoping you would
be the one to respond. Thanks for such a thorough and prompt
response. Since you are German and you actually know this song which I
figured to be obsolete despite its inclusion in several editions of
folk songs published during the 1990's, I am curious to know if many
Germans still sing this song??
Although I do believe the distortions in this song are intended for
comedic effect, which makes perfect sense since this song is set to
the melody of the Spottlied "Ich bin der Doktor Eisenbart," I wonder
if a more literal interpretation could be entertained considering the
fact that this song was included in at least 12 editions of folk songs
compiled for the Hitler Jugend. Within the context of the Nazi's
xenophobia and virulent ethnocentrism, do you think young Germans
during the height of the Nazi period might have considered these
distortions to be factual? If you can just give me a short response to
this I would be grateful and include a tip in the question fee.
Thanks again?? You wouldn't by any chance be interested in answering
the other question I have posted, would you??
danacgm
|
Clarification of Answer by
scriptor-ga
on
27 Nov 2005 17:15 PST
I will try to answer your questions as good as I can. As for whether
this song is still widely known, I can clearly say: Yes. Although not
everyone may know the complete lyrics, the song as such is common
knowledge.
The second question is, of course, much more difficult since it deals
with the past. The inclusion of the song in the Hitlerjugend song
books alone does certainly not mean much. But that does not yet answer
the question: How did the young Germans understand this part of the
song?
I tend to believe that usage of "die Wilden" did not have actual
influence on the Hitlerjugend boys. One must remember that it was
almost impossible to communicate a general negative image of Indians
to young Germans back then, mainly thanks to the books of Karl May. In
his Wild West novels, May had portraied many important Indian
characters who were noble, wise and intelligent. These books were
extremely popular among German youths, popular to an extent that can
hardly be imagined today. It is no exaggeration to say that the
stories and their characters were known to everyone.
Hitler himself had read Karl May's novels when he was a boy, and even
in his later life, he often referred to them and admired them. Though
not compatible with the Nazi racial ideology, the books were printed
and sold in great quantities in the Third Reich. The general image of
the American Indian was positive. It was impossible that one single
word from a children's song could influence this positive image in a
negative way, and I doubt that it was ever intended.
And now I will have a look at your other question...
Regards,
Scriptor
|
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