German actor Elyas M’Barek believes that the current debates in Germany often rely too heavily on black-and-white thinking. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, M’Barek stated that the categorization of people and the constant pitting of one group against another has led to a lack of nuance in the discussions. He also noted that the atmosphere in the United States, where he has been living with his wife, is more open to different opinions.
M’Barek, the son of an Austrian mother and a Tunisian father, has found that in New York, the question of one’s origin is not as prominent an issue as it is in Germany. “In New York, I’m asked at most where my accent is from and then I never hear: ‘You don’t look like a German at all'”, he said in the interview.
The actor, who has been enjoying his new life in the metropolis, appreciates the anonymity it brings. “In New York, I’m just one of millions and nothing special”he said. “The many possibilities and freedoms that come with fame in Germany also bring many limitations. For example, in New York, I can simply sit on a park bench: the people leave me alone and that’s something I appreciate.