The person behind it”: a figurehead for our heroes in everyday life!

The person behind it”: a figurehead for our heroes in everyday life!

The traveling exhibition “The Man Behind It” will be on display in the gallery in Johannisthal Town Hall in Berlin from September 8th to October 6th, 2025. The opening will take place on September 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. This exhibition aims to make the perception of attacks on employees of the police, fire brigade, public order office and other professional groups visible. District Mayor Oliver Igel emphasizes the importance of making personal perspectives visible in a diverse society in order to strengthen the necessary understanding and appreciation for one another. The exhibition is intended to encourage people to question prejudices and adopt new perspectives in order to promote empathy and social cohesion.

The traveling exhibition tours through various cities and was recently opened in the Neuss Romaneum. Portrait photos of paramedics, police officers and judicial representatives were shown here. As in Berlin, the aim in Neuss was to shine a light on a professional group that makes significant contributions to society. The challenges faced by these professional groups were discussed. The exhibition is presented by the Lions Club Neuss-Helen Keller and Lions Club Neuss Novaesia and is under the patronage of Ursula Platen, head of the school, education and culture department for the city of Neuss. Platen emphasizes that the exhibition is an invitation to recognize and appreciate the people behind the function.

Promoting social cohesion

The concept of the exhibition is reflected in current research that deals with the perception of professions in society. A BIBB research project aims to develop a better understanding of society's view of different professions. This examines how the reputation of professions and the personal characteristics of employees influence professional success. The results of these analyzes are based on a comprehensive survey of over 9,000 people in Germany. Not only the attractiveness of professions is analyzed, but also the correspondence between social perception and professional reality.

The obstacles that employees in public sector professions experience are diverse and can have a profound impact on the profession. Our society is asked to show more attention and appreciation to these people, who often work in the shadows of their functions. The exhibitions in Berlin and Neuss make a significant contribution to raising awareness and act as a platform for the voices of those who ensure security and order every day.