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Gilbert Encounters a Large Group of Black People the Day After the Berlin Wall Fell
Setting:
It’s November 10, 1989, the day after the Berlin Wall came down. Gilbert, freshly liberated from East Germany’s isolation, is wandering the streets of West Berlin with Ludwig and Mathias. The trio stumbles into the vibrant Kreuzberg district, home to a large population of Turkish immigrants, Africans, and other ethnic communities. For someone like Gilbert, who has only ever seen white people, this moment is about to become a cultural awakening gone wrong.Step 1: The Spotting
The group is walking down a lively street when Gilbert suddenly freezes in place, his beer bottle halfway to his mouth. His eyes lock onto a group of seven tall Black men, laughing and chatting in a mix of German and English near a street food stall. They’re dressed stylishly, some in bright, colorful jackets and others in sharp, tailored coats.Gilbert’s jaw drops. "Mein Gott," he mutters, loud enough for both Ludwig and Mathias to hear. "What the hell is going on here?"
Mathias, grinning because he knows chaos is coming, leans in. "What’s wrong, Gilbert? Did you see a ghost?"
Gilbert shakes his head, squinting at the group. "Are they… sick? What’s wrong with their skin? It’s all… dark! Is this some kind of Western disease?!"
Step 2: The Confrontation
Ludwig, already mortified, hisses under his breath. "Gilbert, stop. Don’t make a scene!"But it’s too late. Gilbert marches straight toward the group, his curiosity overpowering any sense of social decorum.
"Oi!" he calls out, waving a hand. "What’s going on with you lot? Are you okay? Did you fall into a vat of oil or something?"
The group of men stops talking, turning to stare at Gilbert. One of them, a tall man with a deep voice, raises an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
Gilbert points at them, gesturing wildly. "Your skin! It’s… it’s dark! Are you all sick? Does everyone in the West look like this now?!"
Step 3: The Group’s Reaction
One of the men bursts out laughing. "Man, where is this guy from? Mars?"Another shakes his head, smirking. "East Berlin, probably. They don’t get out much over there."
The tall man steps forward, crossing his arms. "Listen, buddy. We’re not sick. We’re Black. Ever heard of Africa?"
Gilbert blinks, clearly confused. "Africa? You’re telling me you’re from… there?" He waves vaguely southward. "But how did you get here? Did someone bring you over in a ship or something?"
Mathias, watching from a few feet away, collapses into laughter. "Oh man, this is gold. He thinks you’re imports!"
Step 4: Ludwig Tries to Intervene
Ludwig steps forward, looking like he wants to sink into the ground. "I’m so sorry about my brother. He’s… adjusting."The tall man narrows his eyes. "Adjusting to what? Civilization?"
Gilbert, oblivious to the tension, jumps in. "No, no, I just want to understand! In the East, everyone looks the same—white, pale, boring. But you guys…" He pauses, clearly amazed. "You look like statues! Shiny, dark statues. How do you even get skin like that? Is it permanent?"
Step 5: Mathias Adds Fuel to the Fire
Mathias, now wiping tears from his eyes, decides to join the chaos. He slaps Gilbert on the back. "Gilbert, you’re embarrassing us. Don’t you know these guys are probably faster, stronger, and smarter than you? You’re getting mogged in every way, brother!"The group of men laughs again, with one saying, "Your friend’s got a point. You better watch out."
Gilbert, narrowing his eyes, puffs out his chest. "Mogged? By them? I don’t think so. Look, I’m just saying—it’s weird! I’ve never seen anyone like you before. You’re like… aliens!"
Step 6: The Aftermath
The tall man smirks. "Aliens, huh? Well, welcome to the West, blondie. Get used to it. There’s a whole world out here you’ve never seen."Another man adds, "And maybe next time, try not to shout about it in the middle of the street."
As the group walks away, Gilbert turns to Ludwig and Mathias, still wide-eyed. "This place is insane. Shiny statues, spinning meat, and people who look like they belong in a museum. What else are you hiding out here?!"
Ludwig groans. "Gilbert, for the love of God, stop embarrassing us."
Mathias claps Gilbert on the back again. "Relax, West. This is the best entertainment I’ve had in years."
Historical Context
- Gilbert’s Perspective:
- East Germans like Gilbert, raised in an overwhelmingly homogenous and isolated society, would have had no exposure to non-white people. Seeing a group of Black men for the first time would feel like stepping into a completely foreign world.
- West Berlin’s Diversity:
- By 1989, West Berlin was a multicultural hub, home to large populations of Turkish immigrants, Africans, and other ethnic groups. For someone like Gilbert, it would be a complete shock to see such diversity so casually integrated into society.
- Culture Shock:
- Gilbert’s reaction, while exaggerated for comedic effect, reflects the intense culture shock many East Germans experienced after the Wall fell.