The debate as to whether the story of “Winnetou” still fits in today’s world seems to be spreading. In any case, the ARD now confirms that the Karl May classics are no longer in the program. However, this could also simply have to do with licensing issues.
Tens of millions of Germans grew up with “Winnetou”. Be it in the form of books by Karl May, be it radio plays about the Apache chief or, of course, be it the legendary film adaptations from the 1960s. The debate has been all the more heated and emotional since the Ravensburger publishing house withdrew two “Winnetou” books from sale after allegations of racism.
If you believe a survey by the opinion research institute YouGov, an overwhelming majority of 68 percent of Germans think the publisher’s decision was wrong. Only 13 percent supported it, while the remaining respondents gave no information.
Against this background, this message is likely to cause resentment: ARD has also unearthed the hatchet against “Winnetou”. But rather quietly. As reported by the “Bild” newspaper, the public broadcaster network confirmed on request that the Karl May films with Pierre Brice in the role of the Apache chief will no longer be broadcast by any ARD station.
However, the report leaves open whether this has anything to do with the smoldering discussion about the historical depiction of other cultures, in which accusations ranging from alleged “cultural appropriation” to racism are in the air. Rather, it is said that ARD had already let the licenses for the “Winnetou” films expire in 2020 and currently has no plans to renew them.
In other words, the public service association no longer owns the rights to broadcast the western classics that have been running in a loop on the third programs or special interest channels of ARD for more than 50 years – and not just at Christmas. However, the “Bild” report also says that ZDF, which is also public, will continue to show “Winnetou” films “in the next few years”.
No matter what exactly the reason for the ARD decision may have been. It should fuel the discussion, which has long since gone beyond the Karl May stories and also raises the question of whether the term “Indian” should be erased. The warpath between “Winnetou” nostalgics and “woken” critics should be ready.
