Olli Aus Ossiland- Kapitel 3

An example of paradox in chapter three is Maik's change from not supporting East Germany to fully supporting the new German state.

Before the reunification, Maik was as rebellious as he could be without being arrested. He acted indifferent to the government, and the text states that everybody was a little bit afraid of him. He smoked, drank, owned jeans, and had a leather jacket. In a way, he acted like as much of a westerner as he could. Even though wearing such clothes was not common in the west, Maik still wore them. This would make him stand out, but it seems he enjoyed being a symbol of rebellion.

After the wall falls, though, Maik is completely supportive of the German state. Although he is not a model citizen, he is incredibly nationalistic about the new Germany. He and his friends are the first are part of the minority that know the national anthem. He speaks out to Olli's father when he refers to them as "Genossen und Genossinnen." Immediately after the reunification, Maik has gone from apathetic about his government to completely supportive.

This switch makes sense. People from the East were treated as though they had done wrong when Germany was reunited. The Ossis were not regarded as "German" as the Wessis. To prove their allegiance, perhaps some felt the need to be ultra-supportive of the new Germany, like Maik.