Monday, October 25, 2021
Unvaccinated Bayern and DFB star
This is how the media comment on the “Kimmich case”
Football national player Joshua Kimmich causes a stir with his statement that he has not yet been vaccinated against the corona virus. The FC Bayern professional justified his decision – but the German media commented critically on his motives and behavior.
Joshua Kimmich is not the only, but certainly the most famous footballer in Germany who has spoken publicly about his status as “not vaccinated”. According to media reports, the 26-year-old explains himself after a clear home win for his FC Bayern, which means that sporting takes a back seat. Kimmich explains why he has so far not had the vaccination. But his words meet with little understanding in the opinion pieces, the comments of the major German media.
So writes about “Northwest Newspaper“ from Oldenburg: “To Kimmich one can say: Besides that it is not wise (but rather questionable because more dangerous) not to be vaccinated – especially on the basis of a fatal knowledge gap! – it is not wise to do it publicly on TV He should have known that this started a huge debate, which cannot be in his interest, as it plays into the hands of vaccination opponents and corona deniers – to whom he explicitly does not count himself – and in view of the increasing number of infections does not help to contain the pandemic further. In addition: Bundesliga professionals are role models and had the privilege of being able to play again in the first lockdown. Even if it is their job, many fans would like a little more humility. “
Also the Sports information service takes a clear position: “He is not a corona denier or vaccination opponent, said the professional. But the concerns he has now publicly play into the cards of the many corona deniers and vaccination opponents. In a pandemic that has only existed for almost two years, Long-term studies are not possible. In Germany, however, there are clear recommendations from science and the Standing Vaccination Commission. Kimmich disregards this with his stance. Kimmich is considered the future captain of the German national soccer team. He is considered a role model. But this role model function he is in not fair to this case. “
In the “Frankfurter Rundschau“It says:” The devastating thing about Joshua Kimmich’s attitude to not being vaccinated for the time being is that such assurances are grist to all mills of lateral thinkers and vaccination opponents. It is precisely the crude line of argument used by the aluminum hats to ‘formulate a few concerns’ ‘regarding the lack of long-term effects’. Joshua Kimmich from FC Bayern Munich can tell so much that he is not a fundamental opponent of vaccinations or even a corona denier, he could well imagine getting vaccinated at some point. What matters to the public is much more: vaccination is at least associated with risk, if not danger. And that is quite a nonsense: There are no scientifically sound arguments against vaccination, long-term side effects are largely unknown. Vaccination protects against severe courses. It is fatal that this vaccine skepticism is not articulated by any run-of-the-mill footballer. “
It becomes particularly clear in the “Hamburger Morgenpost“:” How do fans think about it when the 2G rule applies in the stands and unvaccinated people are kicking on the lawn? What is a DFB vaccination bus worth at international matches? And why should those who are undecided get vaccinated if the football professionals, who were privileged beyond measure during the Corona crisis, do not take advantage of the opportunity? It’s clear to me: As long as Joshua Kimmich hasn’t been vaccinated, he shouldn’t wear the DFB jersey – and preferably not Bayern Munich’s either. “
the Sports show comments: “When asked about the reasons for his decision, Kimmich expressed concerns that are clearly nonsense. Kimmich argues that he did not get vaccinated because he wanted to wait for long-term studies. And this is precisely where his fundamental error lies. […] With the corona vaccines, we even have the advantage that they have already been vaccinated millions of times worldwide. So that even the detection of very rare side effects has been simplified. Joshua Kimmich is of course free to decide how he wants to be when it comes to vaccination. Just put an end to nonsense in front of microphones on the subject of long-term vaccine studies. “
Also the “Southgerman newspaper“criticizes the national player:” Because anyone who says on the one hand that they have concerns about rare side effects of the vaccination, on the other hand also risks becoming unprotected with corona. Kimmich is young, he is an athlete, he probably won’t have a difficult course, but this risk has also increased again with the Delta variant. But where there is so much talk of risks, on the other hand there is the overwhelming benefit of the vaccine: It reliably protects against severe courses. That is actually the most important message – which will now be less popular due to the attitude of the national player. “
At the ZDF The situation is assessed as follows: “His club, FC Bayern Munich, will have cleared up its most important asset, its players. If that is not enough for him, Kimmich has every opportunity to contact other experts to find out more. But above all: his behavior on this question does not match the straightforwardness he has set himself, he crouches. Joshua Kimmich can still be the role model that he has been for many and get vaccinated: It would be a strong signal. “
The “Augsburg General“accuses Kimmich of behaving in a lack of solidarity:” It is legitimate not to be vaccinated like Kimmich – but that is a decision that affects not only himself, but also his environment. And has something to do with lived solidarity. Those who get vaccinated not only protect themselves, but also those around them. Even if, as Kimmich argues, there are occasional vaccine breaches. Kimmich was able to play in front of 60,000 people in the Munich arena on Saturday because a large part of society has already been vaccinated twice. The national player benefits from a commitment to society as a whole, both professionally and privately, without having done his part himself. “
Of the “Sports buzzer“chooses a soccer metaphor to criticize Kimmich’s behavior:” Professional soccer players have responsibilities and are role models for millions. With his behavior and his explanation, Kimmich has now given all the vaccine doubters, all those hesitant and hesitant arguments and given oaths and conspiracy theorists a prominent face (‘Well, if that’s not …! ”) And thus a starting point. Kimmich shies away from the small, double spades. He now has to endure all the big hits of the shit storm. Avoidable side effects of an own goal. “
And the “mirrors“thinks that Kimmich is turning his role model function into the opposite:” When Kimmich points out that he is waiting for appropriate studies, then he pretends to be a normal consumer somewhere at the end of the information chain. The expected effect seems clear: If someone like Kimmich has concerns, who cares so comprehensively about Corona, why should I get vaccinated? That would be a role model, but this time in the opposite direction. “