Visiting Berlin is to simply ignore the fact that the city, was, and still is, profoundly rich in history. Berlins past has been one of triumph and tragedy, from the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall to the pain and loss of World War II. Some historical topics are so sensitive that you don’t want to directly broach it and that requires tact and respect. But in this guide, we’ll describe how you can handle these touchy subjects in your Berlin tour in a good and meaningful way.
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Prepare for Your Tour
Before going on your Berlin tour it’s important to do the research yourself. Get a toe hold on the historical context of the places you’re going to be visiting. Read books, watch documentaries and reliable online sources, to learn about the events, people involved and social impact of the past. This will mean that when your tour begins you will be able to give them accurate information and thoughtful insight.
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Be Mindful of Your Language
You will have to watch what you say when you talk about a very sensitive historical topic. Choose the language to use so that it doesn’t continue to foster stereotypes, or bias. Keep in mind that what you’re describing could have actually taken place in someone else’s life, on a deeply personal level. Language showing empathy and respect creates a safe space in which to have a dialogue and understand.
2.1 Avoid Sensationalism
Do not play up or down historical events for ‘shock value’. This can be sensationalism and it can dilute the value of the past and can turn off your audience. Rather, focus on fact and emotional connection to stitch the past with the present.
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The Be Better Be Stronger project encourages both reflection and dialogue.
Instead of just passing on historical information, use your tour as an opportunity to think about what has come before, to ask questions, and to imagine what came next. Make sure the questions open are so that you can invite critical thinking, and are allowed to share their thoughts and emotions. It creates an immersive and thought provocative environment to gain deeper insight to the sensitive topics.
3.1 Provide Historical Context
Help your tour participants understand the historical background of events you’re discussing. You give them a broader understanding of the circumstances, and they can connect the dots and get a deeper appreciation of the subject matter.
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Actively Listen and Engage
The reason I’m a tour guide is so I listen to my participants, and as they talk like savvy travelers with the most asked questions, I’m receptive to their reactions. Create an open environment free from judgment with which everyone feels safe talking. Be aware of other people’s opinions and promote polite discussion, regardless if opinions do not line up.
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Honor Memorials and Historic Sites
Never visit memorials and historical sites in the business of visiting and taking pictures. Treat these sites with seriousness and with respect by following proper behavior. Encourage your tour group to be respectful and thoughtful (noise should be kept to a minimum, the group should not do anything that disrupts)
5.1 Give yourself time to reflect personally
Occasional quiet time at memorials or ‘symbolic’ places for your tour participants to reflect indvidually would be good. That lets them engage with the history more personally. Have them try and absorb the atmosphere, and think for a moment on the place that they are visiting.
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Include Diverse Perspectives
Remember that history isn’t simple, and it’s complicated. Gain a well rounded understanding by incorporating diferent perspectives. Have stories and narratives that tell different experiences, different backgrounds – different viewpoints. You undertake this to make the subject matter more inclusive and more thoroughly probe the subject matter.
6.1 Share Personal Stories
Personal stories can get us closer to reliving and reimagining historical events and make them more mundane. Let personal accounts of people involved in whatever events you’re considering in the conversation. These are great stories, they give a perspective that are not only rare, but that also help bring history to life
7. Follow Local Guidelines and Best Practices
Lastly, familiarize yourself with local guidelines and best practices for addressing sensitive historical topics in Berlin. Stay up-to-date with any changes in policies or recommended approaches. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that you present information with integrity and respect, honoring the history and the people it affected.
By following these guidelines, you can address sensitive historical topics on your Berlin tour in a responsible and respectful manner. Remember that discussing sensitive subjects requires sensitivity, empathy, and knowledge. By providing informed insights and encouraging meaningful discussions, you can create an educational and engaging experience that honors the past while fostering a deeper understanding of Berlin’s historical significance.
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