Final Reflection

German speaking cultures strike me as incredibly odd. As a whole, they have left me somewhat baffled. Many things that we've read about are not necessarily unheard of, but they are odd. Their culture seems a lot more scandalous than one might first think. They often drive on political and sexual jokes, almost to the point of where it's just a little weird. I feel like many of them find their identity in their humor. Not to say this as something bad, just as something different. America is definitely very rooted in humor, but German humor almost seems... More elegant. I don't think it really is all that different, but it just doesn't seem so bad when they go about it. Things like political floats and crazy rituals just seem like a fun and eccentric life style; not something to be looked down on. German speaking cultures also seem a lot more elegant in general, not just in regards to humor. This may just be true for most European countries, but they all seem to have a very classy air about them. The way they dress, the politeness, the way restaurants and seating works. It all seems very classy and elegant, and especially loving, and I absolutely love that about German culture.

American culture has some pretty vast differences in regards to German culture. America seems to find a large portion of it's identity in sensuality and sexuality, especially when mixed with humor. Germany has this to some extent as well; there humor and sexuality seem to be more respectful almost. Americans also find a large identity in freedom and independence, where as Germans seem not to really be bothered to much with such things. Germany is more about being welcoming and generally jovial. It is rare that you would see strangers sitting together at the dinner table in America, but Germany finds this to be very commonplace. Americans also tend to have a very casual air about them, in regards to clothing, conversation, and general day to day life. Germans like to dress more classy in general, and they just seem to have a more classy air about them overall. Americans have a much more liberal view on food. Food and drink are much cheaper, and are given in much larger quantities, whereas Germans tend to charge more and give less. And don't even get me started on refills.

Each individual German speaking country seems to have a lot of similarities. Obviously, many of them have different governmental structures, like Liechtenstein or Luxembourg. However, they all seem to have a general air of warmth about them and their people. It may just be the European vibe overall, but German speaking countries seem like a very welcoming bunch of people. German speaking countries seem to have a strong sense of nobility and standing up for what is right. Some of these countries may be advocates for peace, but they will make their thoughts known about right versus wrong, and I respect that.

Over the past 10 weeks, I've learned a lot about German speaking cultures. Some things, I already presumed, like their sense of loyalty and welcoming. But I learned greatly how noble they were. Especially after reading the article about the Swiss troops marching into Libya to make known the fact that they believed in that cause, and after reading the article about the noble homeless man who gave up the thousands of dollars he found on the street to their rightful owner. It's these noble and selfless acts that have really changed my view on these countries and cultures, and to some extent made me want to be a part of these cultures. I've also begun to understand a lot about the political side of these countries and cultures, which has made me feel quite the opposite. Some of these countries have such political problems and issues. I'm not saying that America doesn't have it's problems, but for the moment, I'll take American politics over European politics.

All in all, German speaking cultures are very intriguing, and I enjoy what it is they have to offer. They're pleasant and lovely places, and I think a lot of the world could benefit from watching how they interact.

VETOOOOOOOOOOED

This article from Cyrpus Weekly made me almost die laughing. It's truly hilarious. In this article, the people of Lichtenstein have begun raising support for a referendum that would not allow the royal family or the prince to veto any referendums! Surprise of all surpirses, the prince and the royal family have said that they will veto this referendum! The Prince is said to be shocked by this referendum. It seems clear that people don't want you to have as much power as you do buddy! This is not the first time they have attempted to pass such a law either! Back in 2003 they attempted and failed to pass a very simliar referendum.

This is a hilarious, albeit unfortunate for the people of Lichtenstein, example of a no win scenario. The fact that the only thing you can do to remove a certain power is to make a case that can be refuted by that power! It seems impossible, and quite unfair. I feel for the people of Lichtenstein. They feel as though they are being unjustly treated by this Prince, yet the only thing they can attempt to do about it has to go through the Prince! What can you do? Short of starting a revolution, there isn't a lot.

This is something that would never be able to happen in America, thankfully. Our government has been built on checks and balances so that no one person can fully take control. The President does have the power to veto actions, but his power is much more limited compared to that of the royal family in Lichtenstein. This shows the great need in the world for more democracy, and less aristocracy. There was a time where Kings and Queens ruled the countries of the world, but we have begun to shift out of that era, and the rest of the world is due to follow!

The Homeless

In this article from the Austrian times, we find a heartwarming, if not bizarre tale of the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them do to you in effect.

A previously homeless man ended up in an amazing situation after just being a good samaritan. Upon finding 7000 euros lying around(why that was lying around is beyond me), he turned it into the police who then found the rightful owner, rather than keeping it for himself. Upon hearing about this, the people of the town, and especially the owner, sent tons of donations and job offers. So much generosity came in from all the people that he now has a job, income, and his own apartment for the first time in his life.

This story speaks amazingly to the good that is really in humanity. Most people like to report on all the bad and evil news around the world, but there are so many great stories that just get hidden! The crazy thing is, this guy is an ex-con! He used to be hardcore into drugs. But through perseverance, a good heart, and a lot of love from the people around him, he's now thriving in a working lifestyle! I wish more stories like this could emerge. It makes me really love the people of Austria, and wonder if this is something we could begin to see elsewhere in the world?

Obviously it's a little bit of a bizarre story, and it's likely that the same circumstances would not occur a second time. However, people should take heart from this tale of love and learn to be less selfish. This man who had absolutely nothing still returned what seemed like his ticket to everything. And through that he began to gain.

It makes me sad to think that this is something that probably wouldn't happen in America. In general, we live in a nation of greed. I don't want to out and say it isn't possible, but it does seem like a rather European thing. I would love to move to Austria and live in a community of people as loving and generous as that town seemed to be!

Karneval!

I think this photo has a lot of cultural impact on America. Duh. Karneval seems like a fun time to go and pretty much make fun of everybody and all the craziness going on in the world, regardless of offense. Which is awesome. But this could possibly offend Americans because of the silliness of it. I was not expecting this much of craziness in the Karneval! But it's hilarious. I so want to go visit one next Karneval :)

This obviously has made some impact on Germany. The whole incident with Google Street View has caused quite an uproar, and of course they've decided to make fun of it! It's important for them apparently to make a stand out against all these things, so I think it's pretty great and clever. It's a hilarious float too. I love how they just throw it all out in the open and literally just show how funny the situation is. It's cool that they are standing against this idea though. They view it as an invasion of privacy, and that's cool that they're taking a stand!

This photo to me is just hilarious. I think it embodies Karneval, because it's simply crazy! They're hilariously dressed exactly the same, just there to have a fun goofy time of it all! Nothing like any of this would ever happen in the States, and it's kind of sad. They're just willing to let it all hang out and it's great.

Next year I think it would be hilarious to see some more political fiascos turned into hilarious floats. I don't know what blunders will happen next year, but I'm sure they will be represented!

The Swiss are on the Move!

Swiss forces have recently been sent to Tripoli to support the Swiss embassy, as well as support the people of Libya's mission towards Democracy. The number of troops and units has not been revealed for security reasons. But the Swiss troops are on the move. Many have questioned this move based on their general neutrality, but the troops have gone ahead, being assigned to protect people, troops, and facilities at heightened levels of risk.

It's quite surprising that the Swiss are sending out troops. It really is kind of shocking, based on most stereotypes that are made about the Swiss. They are a very powerful country, but they are known very much so for their neutrality. The fact that they are moving into a foreign country, to protect their embassy and people, and also to support the fight for democracy, is quite shocking. I'm not sure exactly what it means for Switzerland. But hopefully it creates a sense of urgency around the rest of the world. If Switzerland is noticing the urgency that has arisen in Libya, maybe the rest of the world will turn their eye towards it and help out. But maybe not.

I know that America has been dabbling in and out of helping with Libya. I'm not sure how Switzerland's involvment will effect America, but I hope it helps give us a clearer vision on how we can try to help Libya. It's a struggling country, and it needs help.

The Swiss troops marching is similar to that of the Ents march in The Lord of the Rings. The Ents were known to be a peaceful people, staying in their own place, and only defending inside their forest. However, when they realized the troubles that were brewing in Isengard, and even their own people that were at risk, they were willing to move in and take control. The Swiss seem to be having a similar reaction to the problems in Libya. It will probably be a lot less violent of a trip for the Swiss troops than for the Ents, but hopefully it will be a similar righteous crusade.

ANONYMOUS

The internet in Germany is in uproar from a new attack on the right-wing government websites. Hacktivist group Anonymous has taken on a new operation, called "Operation Blitzkrieg", in which they are attacking the right-wing government websites following their neo-nazi revelations of late, and the ties they may have had in relation to a recent 7 year killing spree of at least ten people. Anonymous released a website called nazi-leaks.net which has released sensitive information of the right-wing groups. They have also periodically been shutting down different right-wing websites. No legal action has been taken of yet, as it is an anonymous coalition of hackers, but there is rumor of attempted legal action.

This article has somewhat of a multi-cultural part to it. Anonymous has hacked groups around the world in the last few years. But it takes a more cultural turn towards Germany in that, the groups they are attacking are tied deeply with neo-nazi groups. It's kind of scary to think about neo-nazi groups still being around. It is a very segregational group that in the past has been found convicted of killing those that are not like them, similar to the nazis of World War II. It's hard to agree with a group of hackers that is attacking people, but I feel that they are not all wrong in what they are doing. Neo-nazi culture is a bad part of the German culture, something that hopefully can be one day expelled.

These hackings are quite similar to hackings that have taken place in America by these same groups. America had some if it's own government secrets leaked this past year on a site called wikileaks. When banks and credit card companies began to take away their support for this site, Anonymous went and hacked their sites. This group is very concerned about internet freedom, regardless of country and rules. It's crazy to think that they have taken things so secret to governments around the world and just set them free for others to read. America took quick action against wikileaks, taking down the website, and eventually jailing the person responsible. Germany has taken a much slower response; they have also still not been able to find the individuals responsible. Part of the Anonymous core being; being completely and totally unknown.

I think it could have a very negative immediate effect on Germany. People may be in uproar about the recent things found out about the government groups, which could cause riots. The hacking will create a lot of unrest between people on either side of the belief systems. However, ultimately I think it will be a good thing for Germany. It is showing the neo-nazis for who they are, which will hopefully lead toward the eventual eradication of the neo-nazi group from Germany. With them gone, I think Germany will have much more chance to prosper, find good leadership, and become a great leader in the world.

That's so GERMAN

When I think of "German", I usually picture a good friend of mine named Sam. I met him on my trip to Germany. He was very tall and lanky, had blonde hair, blue eyes, and always wore a tucked in wife beater with his pants up high. He was such a good friend. He was very friendly and always willing to help out with anything, regardless of whether he was first asked to or not. He was often quiet, but always willing to assert himself to get the job done and help out with people. He's a perfect image of what I view as "German".
Most Germans I have come into contact with are very friendly. I'm sure that's just a generalization, but I like to think of them as being a friendly people. American people aren't unfriendly, but not quite as friendly as most Europeans.
Obviously in Germany, not everybody wears the same style. But I like imagining that they all have somewhat of an amish style. Germany to me seems like it's still very old in style. I know they are classy and very up to date on things, but I feel like deep down they are all still ingrained in their old ways. Which is vastly different from Americans. We're all about the new. To me, I feel like Germans love a lot of the old. Not that they hate new. I would think they love a lot of new things, and make lots of new things. They just have that love of the old.