Why We Need to Read Black German Literature More Broadly in German Studies

Abstract

Seen together, these research projects enrich ongoing debates about and interrogations of Germaneness, identity, and shared values in contemporary Germany. They show, we believe, how the use of new technologies in the production and the analysis of literature can yield new insights. They express urgent demands for German-speaking culture to be more inclusive and, in turn, for German-studies scholars to support their plea. Many of them reflect carefully on their own subject positions and identities in conjunction with the subjects and subject matters they study, thus contributing to the GSA’s efforts toward social justice and inclusion. These are approaches from which we can all learn, no matter our career stage. As Toni Morrison once said: “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”1 These young scholars show us the way. We look forward to the next “Food for Thought” luncheon at the 2023 GSA in Montreal.