In the heart of one of Germany’s most industrialized regions, a postal code has become a symbol of identity for a generation often overlooked. The long-term documentary project by photographer Toby Binder, 053kids, delves into the lives of young people growing up in Duisburg-Hochfeld, a neighborhood burdened by poverty, social injustice, and questions of belonging.
Germany is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, yet 20% of its children live below the poverty line. In Duisburg-Hochfeld, this percentage rises to over 50%. Here, 93% of minors come from migrant families. Binder’s photographs and interviews capture a community grappling with systemic inequalities, intertwining themes of identity, belonging, and survival.
The cultural fabric of the neighborhood is steeped in contradictions: German flags flutter alongside antifa graffiti. For some, the flags symbolize a desire for integration; for others, they are a mark of defiance. The young residents navigate this fractured identity with resilience, finding solidarity in shared experiences and struggles.
Binder’s work sheds light on the nuanced self-perception of these youths. Many hold German passports and speak the local dialect, yet they don’t see themselves as “German”. Instead, they identify with their families’ countries of origin or simply as part of the ‘053kids’—a label derived from their postal code, representing the only place they truly feel at home.
Apo, 17, embodies this duality: «We’re the Kanacken [a derogatory term for foreigners, reclaimed with pride]. That’s just how it is.» Meanwhile, Ensar, born in Berlin to Albanian parents, states: «I’m Albanian because I have Albanian blood. But if I’m away from Hochfeld for five weeks, I get homesick. I love Germany!»
The streets of Duisburg-Hochfeld are often dominated by Arab clans, Eastern European families, and biker gangs. The prevalence of drug and arms trafficking, alongside prostitution, exposes young people to the temptation of easy money. Some fall into cycles of crime, amassing lengthy criminal records before reaching adulthood. Others strive to break free by excelling at school, despite challenges like cramped living spaces and financial hardship.
For many, music offers an escape. Emerging rappers look up to local artists who have signed record deals, proving that success is attainable through talent and perseverance. Meanwhile, the gangster aesthetic serves as both a statement of rebellion and an expression of unity among peers.
Even their style plays a crucial role in the lives of the ‘053kids.’ For these teenagers, clothing is more than personal expression; it’s a way to belong. Parents’ money—intended for school supplies—is often redirected to fund the latest streetwear trends. Aksel, 16, goes against the grain by mixing second-hand pieces with vintage jackets from foreign football teams to create a unique look. «It’s fun, it saves money, and often other kids think my style is better than what you can buy off the rack,» he says.
Through Binder’s lens, the ‘053kids’ emerge as a generation defined by contradictions. They embody both gratitude for the opportunities Germany offers and frustration at the barriers they face. Highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness, Binder’s work challenges stereotypes and invites viewers to rethink their perceptions of marginalized communities.
