The irony of xenophobia
It is satirical when the local people start attacking the foreigners in their country, claiming that they are the ones who have taken all the resources. On the contrary, most foreigners are industrious because their purpose is to excel. The situation in Germany in the year 1993 was connected to economic downfall, and it sparked xenophobic attacks, which left many foreigners dead. For instance, the demise of the Turkish family described in the book resulted from the xenophobic attack.
Sascha’s grandfather
After reading the various journals left for him by his grandfather, Sascha realizes that his grandfather killed himself. Sascha's grandfather was a historical figure who received honors after he participated in WWI. Satirically, the grandfather killed himself after the honor because he did see the value of the prize.
The Turkish heritage in Germany
The reader asks the question, 'Is keeping and observing one's heritage a crime in a foreign country?' Sascha finds himself in a depressing situation when he learns that his community is targeted at xenophobic attacks in Germany. Historically, the local citizens turn their anger against the Turkish people when there is political and economic turmoil. It is entirely satirical that the Turkish people are the target of careless killings simply because they are successful and focused.
The irony of ethnic identity
Sascha was born in Germany, and he knows that he has Turkish roots because his parents came from Turkey. However, he is a German citizen by birth, but he still struggles with his identity because of his mistreatment from the local people. According to the local people, any Turkish German is a foreigner and deserves the worst treatment. Therefore, Sascha is confused because he does not know exactly where he belongs.
The irony of self-identification
Sascha is a German by all aspects of law and nature. Satirically, Sascha feels guilt that he is betraying his Turkish heritage. Therefore, Sascha is torn in between the two cultures, and he believes that they both must be nurtured. When Sascha sees the injustices done to the Turkish people, he feels that the German culture should not be appreciated because they disregard other people's heritage.
