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‘Sexist’ men’s parking spaces reignite anger

A Black Forest town has earned criticism from gender equality officers and social media after advertising a "men's parking space" in a public car-park - using a naked woman's silhouette.

'Sexist' men's parking spaces reignite anger
The new artwork on the 'men's parking spaces' has sparked controversy. Photo: DPA

The silhouette shows a woman lolling backwards, legs splayed and breasts exposed.

Painted beside her are the words “Steep mountains, moist valleys” in German.

But this semi-erotic image isn't printed on the cover of a top-shelf lads' magazine.

In fact, it's plastered onto the wall of a public car-park – notifying drivers that this is a men's parking space.

Humour or horror?

This “Männerparkplatz” is the first of its kind in the Black Forest town of Triberg, reports Bild.de.

Of course, it's become something of a tourist attraction since it was introduced in 2012 – and its new artwork looks set to increase its publicity.

The artwork is a contribution to humour in today's society, Triberg Mayor Dr. Gallus Strobel claimed.

Werner Oppelt, the artist behind the image, said that passers-by have mostly been fans of the picture.

“Again and again, people come to have a look – including visitors from Holland, Spain and Italy – and no-one has expressed any negative opinions.”

However, it seems not everyone is as enthusiastic about the artwork as its creator.

“An unsuccessful publicity stunt! The mayor told Bild it was a “contribution to humour.” Truly embarrassing!”

 

“These old muppets just don't realise how embarrassing and stupid it is.”

 

'Misogynistic and inhuman'

The new artwork has angered gender equality and equal opportunity officers in Baden-Württemberg.

“This type of sexist advertising, which uses a woman's naked body to grab attention and suggests women are a sexual commodity, is both misogynistic and inhuman,” they told Bild on Friday.

However, Mayor Strobel has no plans to remove the image in the near future.

“It's a matter of artistic freedom,” he told Bild. “Art is allowed to provoke people, and should do so.”

As for artist Oppelt, this is a debate he wants nothing more to do with.

“I was unwilling to take part in this from the start,” the pensioner admitted. “It's simply not my style.”

For Oppelt, who paints as a hobby, this was a commissioned work, and nothing more.

Women's parking places: the sexism debate

The controversy comes amidst continuing debate about women-only parking spaces in Germany.

Described as “patronizing” by some and a safety measure by others, these spaces are designed to help female drivers feel less threatened in public car-parks.

However, the spaces have been deemed sexist by many – with Frankfurt Airport describing their female spaces as “bigger, nicer and close to the terminals.”

The suggestion that women are less competent at parking than men was echoed by Strobel when discussing the town's men-only spots.

“These places are difficult to use, and can only be reversed into,” he told Bild – explaining that this was what gave officials the idea to make them into designated men's spaces.

Written by Hannah Butler

For members

DRIVING

What you should do if you lose your driver’s licence in Germany

Non-EU nationals who live in Germany can often exchange their old licences for German ones. But what do you do if you happen to lose your German licence - or if it gets stolen? Here's a step-by-step guide.

What you should do if you lose your driver's licence in Germany

Losing an important document can be a nightmare scenario for foreigners in Germany – especially if it’s the one you rely on to get around. So if you search for your driver’s licence one day and suddenly realise it’s missing, you may feel the urge to panic. 

Luckily, there’s a two-step process to follow to get a replacement and ensure nobody else can misuse your licence in the meantime. However, German law requires you to act quickly.

Call the lost and found and/or file a police report

If your driver’s licence is lost or stolen in Germany, you’re required to let the police know as soon as possible. You can do this at any police station in Germany. 

There may be one place you should try first though before going straight to the police.

If you think your licence may simply have been misplaced, rather than stolen, you can call your local Fundbüro – which deals with lost property – to see if someone has returned it. Many of these are at local city halls, while many public transport companies have their own. Deutsche Bahn also runs one of these for things that are lost on long-distance trains in Germany.

If you still can’t find it, whether you’ve lost your licence or it’s been stolen, you’re required to file a police report. 

Once you’ve filed the report, the police will give you a confirmation letter. You can use this to apply for a replacement licence.

READ ALSO: How to get a German driver’s licence as a third-country national

Get in touch with the traffic office

Once you’ve filed a police report, you’ll need to get in touch with your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde – or “traffic licencing authority” – to get a replacement licence. In Berlin, for example, you can go online and book an appointment for this.

You’ll need to bring a few documents with for your appointment to get a replacement licence. These include a biometric passport photo, the loss or theft report from the police, and a piece of legal ID. You’ll also need to pay a fee – which can vary depending on your local authority.

READ ALSO: What you should do if you lose your residence permit in Germany

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