A few weeks ago, a word was emblazoned on the side window of our colleague Tiffany Dinges: "Nigger whore!!!" It was not the first time, nor the last, that she was targeted in a racist manner. This was followed by further insults in the form of graffitied car windows and anonymous letters. The perpetrators were clever in their approach: They used washable cosmetics to apply their hate messages - no damage to property, "just" insults.

The anonymously delivered hate letter in which the perpetrator or perpetrators call for suicide.

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But it didn't stop at insults: one night, a stranger tried to gain access to the apartment. After the police had left, he or she even tried again.
The perpetrators expressed their frustration over the failed break-in just a few days later in the form of a hate letter. Anonymously, of course.

Most people are horrified by such acts, and some trivialize them as an "isolated incident". However, we live in a time in which an openly right-wing party has a parliamentary group in the Bundestag, in which people vote for AfD and other parties that trivialize or even tolerate racism in state elections.

It is not an isolated case. But what can be done about it?

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We at Computer&Automation have decided to actively address racism. We believe that everyone has the right to live a peaceful life without hatred, discredit, hostility or discrimination.

Our colleague was the victim of anonymous hostility that affects not only her, but all of us. Racism is not an isolated phenomenon, but a sad chapter that we must close together.

It hurts to realize that people are attacked because of their origin, skin color or culture. We must not look away as if it is none of our business. This hostility is a wake-up call that urges us to deal with the problem and take active action against racism.

Automation Against Racism

#AAR - Automation against Racism. The campaign was launched during the last SPS and calls on everyone to take part.

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We want to come together as a community to create an environment for everyone where differences are valued and where no one has to suffer because of their identity. We need to be sensitive and realize that we all have a responsibility.

Racism must have no place in our hearts, minds, communities and workplaces. It is time for us to raise our voices to stand up for acceptance and equality. We at Computer&Automation want to stand together with the automation industry to support our colleague and all others affected by such hostility. Because only together can we bring about change and create a living and working environment in which all people can live and work together in peace and mutual respect.

Show the flag - show your colors

In the coming year, we will be launching a campaign together with automation partners and everyone is invited to get actively involved and become a part of this positive change. Whether as a company, organization or individual, your support is invaluable.

Would you like to become part of this movement? It's very easy! We are happy to provide you with our symbolic campaign button free of charge. Wear it proudly and send a clear signal against racism. To receive your button, simply send us an e-mail and we will send you this expression of solidarity.

Write us an email and receive your #AAR button.

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But that's not the only way you can get involved. Share our message on social media, use the campaign materials that will soon be available or contribute your own ideas. Every contribution, big or small, helps our message get louder and reach more people.

Let's create a wave of change together. Join our campaign against racism and send a strong signal for a world in which everyone can live in dignity and equality. Your participation makes the difference.