The return of Horst Schlämmer, the iconic and often controversial character portrayed by Hape Kerkeling, is set to hit cinemas in March, prompting a renewed discussion about evolving societal norms and the responsibilities of a democratic nation. Kerkeling, in a recent interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, defended the character’s revival, acknowledging that Schlämmer embodies “the prototype of an older white man”. While seemingly outdated at first glance, Kerkeling argues the figure remains valuable for its ability to generate humor – a blunt, heartfelt humor that resonates despite shifting cultural landscapes.
However, the decision to resurrect Schlämmer isn’t solely rooted in comedic appeal. Kerkeling, a prominent LGBTQ+ figure himself, used the opportunity to address the increasingly precarious situation for minority groups. He cautioned against ignoring the struggles faced by marginalized communities, warning that such avoidance could lead society away from its democratic principles.
While acknowledging a sense of relative safety as a gay man in Germany compared to many other countries, Kerkeling delivered a pointed assessment of the nation’s democratic health. He stressed that a true measure of a functioning democracy lies not in the perceived safety of the majority, but in the protections afforded to its minorities. “Only a country that protects its minorities protects the citizen” he asserted, a stark reminder that the safeguarding of democratic ideals requires constant vigilance and a commitment to inclusivity, regardless of prevailing societal sentiment. The reintroduction of Horst Schlämmer, then, arrives not just as a comedic event, but as a subtle, provocative commentary on the ongoing challenges to Germany’s democratic foundations.
