In Germany, the rise of the “Talahon,” which is a slang term used to describe a type of young gangster, usually with migration background, has fueled resentment from Germans, especially for young people in schools who have to deal most directly with this phenomenon. Now, a regional branch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is tapping into this growing anger and calling for Germans to vote against this trend.
No love for Talahons? Vote AfD on February 23rd! Germany, the land of poets and thinkers – or now the land of shadow boxers and fanny packs? While Goethe and Schiller are turning in their graves, the ‘Talahons’ are gathering on TikTok: Gucci caps, disposable vapes and a ‘Brother, what’s up?!’ on their lips.”
The post continues, writing: “Who doesn’t know them, the young migrants who pose confidently in front of the cameras? But enough is enough! Our city centers are degenerating into catwalks for sweatpant warriors who admire themselves in the reflection of shop windows. While hard-working citizens work, this special group of ‘cultural enrichers’ chill in shisha bars and post videos with fake Louis Vuitton belts.”
Keinen Bock auf „Talahons“? Am 23. Februar AfD wählen!
Deutschland, das Land der Dichter und Denker – oder mittlerweile das Land der Schattenboxer und Bauchtaschen? Während Goethe und Schiller im Grab rotieren, versammeln sich auf TikTok die „Talahons“: Gucci-Cap, Einweg-Vape… pic.twitter.com/oBaAa1lh21
— AfD Schleswig-Holstein (@AfD_LV_SH) January 14, 2025The AfD then makes an appeal directly to young people, which unlike older generations, is now seeing an influx of these young migrants into schools across Germany, often to the detriment of classroom environments, and even at times, with deadly consequences, as with the beating death of 20-year-old Philippos in the city of Bad Oeynhausen.
BREAKING: 🇩🇪 20-year-old Philippos was beaten to death by approximately 10 “southern” males in the German city of Bad Oeynhausen. "Southern" is usually "code" for Middle Easterners.
The German youth had just come from his sister’s graduation party when he was attacked by the… pic.twitter.com/LvuWgDlNAW
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) June 25, 2024“On February 23rd, you have a choice, especially as a young person: Do you want to continue living in a society in which these young migrant groups shape the social climate with their attitudes? Or do you want to take a stand against this trend? Germany needs discipline instead of disinterest, culture instead of neglect, the future instead of the Gucci gang! Go vote. Make a statement,” wrote the AfD.
The term talahon is actually proudly adopted by many people from Arab lands. A report from German taxpayer-funded media WDR spoke with a self-described talahon TIkTok influencer.
He describes being a Talahon “includes Louis Vuitton, showing off on the street, fake Balenciaga, perfume and the fanny pack, which is the most important thing.”
“Young people, mostly of Arabic origin, have been dressing like this for a long time, but now this trend has a name with ‘Talahon’ and is gaining more and more followers,” writes the WDR. “Mostly young immigrants have been staging themselves on TikTok under the hashtag #talahon. Some play the role of teenage gangsters with a wink, others display aggressive behavior, look grimly into the camera or punch the air.”
Organized crime groups featuring Arabs exist across Germany, and often organize themselves based around clan structures. The appearance of the “talahon” look is prevalent amongst these groups. Although some take the term as a cliché, there is no doubt that the movement also has a darker side and actively promotes “macho” and anti-feminist stereotypes, often in the form of rap songs that celebrate the term and the lifestyle behind it.
While much of the German media tries to cover for the entire movement, calling criticism of “Talahons” racist and saying it is used by right-wing extremists, it is clear that the moniker has resonated with Arab youth. Furthermore, regardless of whether the media likes it or not, many German youths and teachers are fed up with so-called Talahons, as classroom environments become unbearable due to sexism and violence. It turns out, that diversity is not always a positive, especially for those Germans who cannot afford private schools.
This may explain why the AfD is tied as the most popular party for German youth in the country.
