Own Images Instead of Outside Interpretation – Why We Must Show Our Perspective Ourselves

Why Organization Is the Key

On April 26, 2025, a large demonstration for peace, freedom, and fundamental rights took place in Reutlingen. The occasion was not only political headwinds—but also the desire of many people to finally be visible again. In a video beforehand, I emphasized how important your own images are. The KONTEXT:Wochenzeitung later picked up this statement critically—unintentionally proving my point.

Because what we need is not external validation, but the courage to document our view of things ourselves—with images, words, and videos that are not filtered, edited, or reinterpreted.

Why Having Your Own Images Is Essential

Mainstream media often don’t report what happened—but what should be made of it. Public perception is shaped by selection, context, and commentary. Anyone who wants to escape that must broadcast themselves.

This doesn’t just apply to mass demonstrations, but to every gathering, every vigil, every public action. Own images create a counter-public. They are protection against distortion—and at the same time an expression of sovereignty.

What We Did at QUERDENKEN-711

From the beginning, we understood that organization doesn’t just mean safety—but visibility. That’s why it was natural for us to organize our own camera crews, own websites, own channels, and own coverage.

At the major demonstrations in Berlin, Leipzig, and Stuttgart, we had:

• a social media team that created posts before, during, and after the events,
• a press team that stayed in touch with independent journalists,
• a technical setup for audio and video broadcasting,
• websites with our own documentation, photo galleries, and videos.

This was not a luxury—it was a necessity.

What Every Organization Needs: Three Teams, Three Tasks

Even smaller initiatives should build the following structures—practically and with focus:

1. Web Team
   • Own website with a clear purpose, contact info, and media archive
   • Ability to publish articles and reports
   • Preferably self-hosted or with privacy-friendly providers
2. Social Media Team
   • Channels on Telegram, Twitter/X, maybe Instagram or Facebook
   • Clear role assignments: who posts, who films, who writes
   • Simple tools for video editing, livestreams, or text posts
3. Press Team
   • Handles communication with journalists
   • Contact for independent media on-site
   • Publishes statements, press releases, and clarifications

No one has to be perfect. But we need people willing to take responsibility—and to tell a different story than the mainstream media.

The Role of Independent Media – And How We Can Grow Together

Independent media are more important than ever. They enable counter-narratives, give voices space, and help make diverse perspectives visible. To succeed, this requires access, willingness to engage, and materials—but also time, patience, and trust.

Many organizing teams work on a voluntary basis, often under pressure and without a professional press department. Our request to journalists: Be patient with the processes, lend your support, ask questions, and offer your experience. What looks improvised today could be structured tomorrow—if accompanied in a spirit of partnership.

Real journalism is not about distance—it’s about dedication to the truth. Support demonstrations—beforehand, on the day itself, and in the aftermath. Because anyone who enables freedom deserves fair reporting.

Further Reading on the Topic:

1. Demo in Reutlingen on April 26, 2025 and Black Blocs
A behind-the-scenes look: What went wrong in Stuttgart on March 22—and how the organizers in Reutlingen improved their preparation.
Organization, stewards, de-escalation – how peaceful assemblies are created.

2. A Strange Understanding of Fundamental Rights
A response to KONTEXT:Wochenzeitung: Why freedom of assembly is not just an opinion—and why every movement needs its own images.
A call for basic rights, press responsibility, and balance.

3. Why the ZVW Comment on the Reutlingen Demo Misses the Mark
A thoughtful reply to a comment that condemns without looking closely.
No downplaying—but also no media uniformity.