Conclusions

The far-right political party Alternativ fur Deutschland (AID) gained international attention during the 2017 federal election in Germany by portraying itself as the protector of German culture in opposition to Islam. One AID poster showed the backs of two (presumably German) women in bikinis with the tag, "'Burkas?' We prefer bikinis" ("Burkas?" Wir steh'n auf Bikinis). Another more explicitly contrasted German culture against the so-called Islamic way of life. Over the image of a piglet was the question and answer: "'Islam?' It does not suit our kitchen" ("Der Islam?" Passt nicht zu unserer Kuche). Fear is evident in these bigoted appeals to ethno-cultural exclusivity, though the xenophobia inherent in such messages is partially masked by braggadocio. The AID was more assertively hateful in other posters, casting Islam as an invading force. In one, under a black and white picture of three women in burkas read the statement, "Stop Islamization" (Islamisierung Stoppen). But even such blunt characterization of otherness was not as dark as the portrayals of Muslims as a threat to the deeper ethnic character and cultural values of Germany. Over the picture of a smiling pregnant woman lying on her back was the question and answer, "'New Germans?' We do it ourselves" ("Neue Deusche?" Machen wir selber). Such messages accompanied demands for "Islamfreie Schulen!' (Islam-free schools!). To the AID, Muslims are a threat to German children, women, and the very ethno-cultural identity of the German nation.