We Pretended to Work

[Jason]

A man from the former East Germany claimed "We pretended to work, and they pretended to pay us.". (on some other forum). He also said eastern Germans were spoiled by the government (in reference to after 1989), because they didn't understand the hard work it had took to make West Germany. So are these statements a negative testimony for socialism?

[Trap Queen Voxxy]

A man from the former East Germany claimed "We pretended to work, and they pretended to pay us.". (on some other forum). So is that a negative testimony for socialism? He also said eastern Germans were spoiled by the government (in reference to after 1989), because they didn't understand the hard work it had took to make West Germany.

Or EG was so awesome due to Socialism the construction thereof was effortless and it was such a Utopia, workers got their jollies doing work RPGs while the paternal EG government gave them monopoly money which was unneeded as there was a huge abundance of goods and commodities.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I wouldn't see how it would be as the context is missing; there is just a claim, information, yet nothing more. Spoiled and pretend play are simply assertions. But if he says that they didn't understand the hard work it took than he is probably a right winger (as they are partial to this train of thought).

[Jason]

Of course, real testimonies from former East Germans are mostly positive. Just Google it. But of course, they were happy, because they were lazy children. :rolleyes:

But I suppose you have to factor in people who left EG. But then again, perhaps, they later realized EG was better: We have no way to know.

[Decolonize The Left]

A man from the former East Germany claimed "We pretended to work, and they pretended to pay us.". (on some other forum). He also said eastern Germans were spoiled by the government (in reference to after 1989), because they didn't understand the hard work it had took to make West Germany. So are these statements a negative testimony for socialism?

Either that or East Germany wasn't socialist.

[cynicles]

The good old protestant work ethic! Used by so many to shame so many more.

[Jason]

True, West Germans worked hard, but I don't think that's a valid explanation for West German success. Plus, who benefited? For instance, we can say West German success was good, for West Germans. Just as we can say American success is good, for Americans. But what about others?

[Lokomotive293]

True, West Germans worked hard, but I don't think that's a valid explanation for West German success. Plus, who benefited? For instance, we can say West German success was good, for West Germans. Just as we can say American success is good, for Americans. But what about others?

How about, West German success was good for the West German bourgeoisie, while East German success was good for not only East Germans, but all Germans, and many other peoples around the world.