Native American Association of Germany e.V.
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It's Time to Change the Narrative
 
 
 

It’s Not About Bans

How German media and political parties manipulate public opinion to advance their agenda

This page in German - Diese Seite auf deutsch



 

The truth is, knowledge opens doors and bans close them.

The Native American Association of Germany has never demanded any bans - not a single one. The main focus has always been on educational and informational efforts to facilitate understanding. Trying to shift one’s own perspective is essential.

Over the years, the same cycle could be observed again and again. Individuals or groups who are aware of the importance of decolonization raise concerns about practices that should be reconsidered, because they date back to the colonial era, might be viewed as cultural appropriation, or hurt the feelings of those who's ancestors survived a genocide and endured a lot in order to keep traditions alive. Within hours, German media and political parties turn it into a calculated fabrication - falsely framed as a ‘ban’ - aimed at emotional manipulation. Two examples:

  • The alleged demand to cancel Winnetou - a fictional character created by German author Karl May - was a calculated construct lacking any foundation.
  • Likewise, the fabricated demand for a ban on "Indian costumes" (in German: "Indianerkostüme") follows a similar pattern.

In the summer of 2025, a German daycare center renamed its summer festival to "Pferde und Ponys" ("Horses and Ponies") after one or more parents expressed concerns. As seen in previous cases, misleading headlines surfaced once more—among them, the provocative claim:

"Indianerfest verboten" – "Indian festival banned."


In fact, it did not unfold as portrayed by numerous German media and political parties. The summer festival was renamed; there is no question of it being banned.

Additional reading:

No Instrumentalization

Native American Perspectives

Stereotypes and Costumes


Last update:
February 25, 2026