The Unknown Species
Getting to Know John
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Using an artistic approach, the video project The Unknown John gives East European women working along the German-Polish border region the chance to speak. The interviews provide information about the motives and interests of their Johns, make references to role models and national stereotypes and reveal something about the self-image of Slavic women. The latter are neither femmes fatales nor victims. Such clichés are two variations on a common attitude: They allow Johns to deny responsibility for their actions. It is time to direct public attention from prostitute to their clients.
(Osteuropa 6/2006, pp. 87–98)