There was a certain level of reality that Berliners had to adjust to due to the war. Windows had to be shut, headlights of cars were covered, and paint covered street corners for pedestrians. It all seemed a bit much to me initially. Air raid wardens roamed the streets reminding citizens of turn out lights for the blackout. With how regimented the Nazi state was, it makes sense that they produced an official booklet (Verdunkelung—Aber wie?) to instruct citizens how to experience a blackout.
The reading provided a different perspective than I was accustomed to; before I imagined black outs as people hiding in bomb shelters cowering in fear. But here we see that people were driving during the blackout. What I found disheartening was that some criminals used the blackout as a cover for their illegal activities. Additionally, the author elucidated on the psychological effects from the blackout, such as the eerie, overwhelming silence that encompassed the city, serial killers, and the disintegration of morality. I can only imagine the level of distress Berliners felt.