Reflection

When I started this blog earlier in the quarter, I knew some things about German culture and what goes into it, but I had never delved into it. After researching more topics on it, I noticed a lot of differences between German and American culture while writing my blogs. Not only that, I also noticed some differences, along with similarities, between Germany and other countries surrounding it. German culture enjoys celebrating a various number of things: from birthdays and weddings, to political issues around the globe. Given the typical nature of American culture, with the gore-filled movies and people like in the Jersey Shore, European culture as a whole is very different. For example, in one research blog we were to research The Fifth Year, a festival in Germany. In this festival there are floats surrounding issues all over the world. From Gadhafi to 9/11, this festival knows no boundaries and pushes the limits. This is very different from American culture for what I believe to be one simple reason- offense. When you think about it, festivals in America border around fairy tales and happy things while in Germany, some Americans could find that downright offensive.

            One thing I did notice about Germany is that it’s not much different than any other German speaking countries. Sure, each country has its own issues to deal with, but in the end they are all typically the same. While some countries like Lichtenstein or Luxembourg aren’t as big and powerful as Germany or Austria, they all have things that they’re dealing with; on the other hand, due to the fact that the countries of Lichtenstein and Luxembourg aren’t as big and powerful as Germany, they are usually looked down upon. This was one difference I noticed while researching this topic. Bigger countries in the Euro Zone tend to have a wider crowd of listeners, getting their issues sorted out first. This will then leave the smaller countries to wait for their turn, basically. I was surprised by this little issue while reading because I would have expected all of the countries in the Euro Zone to look at each other as equals and hear out all of their neighbor’s issues. Coming from the United States where we’re all supposed to be treated as equals, it was shocking to me to see that these smaller countries in Europe weren’t getting the recognition they deserved.

            Over the past ten weeks, my eyes have definitely been opened when it comes to German culture. Having been to Germany previously, I was able to go to the Landshutter Hochzeit, located in Bavaria. I knew some things about the German culture and how they like to celebrate, but after researching it more I realized that the Germans really like to be festive at any given chance. It really opened my eyes. Living in the United States, we only see festivals around major holidays like Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Seeing how the Germans celebrate more than just major holidays makes me want to go to Germany and go to one, like Karneval.

Juncker Confirms He'll Quit Eurogroup Seat

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, announced that after his seven and a half years as Prime Minister, he has decided to resign from his position as not only prime minister, but is also giving up his spot in the Euro Group. While he stated that he “encountered endless disappointment and irritation” that’s not the reason as to why he’s leaving. He has been known to be an important figure when it comes to the Eurozone’s two year old debt crisis, but he was always overlooked by The French and German aspect of the debates.

This is interesting when you think about it in a broader sense. People on the outside of Europe always see a brighter side to Europe, thinking of the history, different cultures, everything. Yet, when politics is involved, it’s just like everywhere else; mainly competitive and a bit brutal. It’s surprising to me that the competitiveness of the Euro Group has actually pushed a man out of his position of power, although he claims that there were different reasons behind his leaving. In the article Juncker even states that “It is simply a real time problem. Because of the crisis I barely manage to handle both the work that I have to carry out in Luxembourg and the very strenuous work in the Euro Group,” is what makes it all the more interesting. To me, it is saying that the smaller countries are going to have to fend for themselves while the larger countries try to figure the situation out. Even though they are all a part of the Euro Group, to me it’s like they don’t really have a voice. 

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2012/3/2/juncker_confirms_hell_quit_eurogroup_seat.htm

Österreich

When looking for an article, I found a really touching one about a homeless man whose life is really turning around.
After finding 7,000 Euros just lying in the street December 26, 2011, Hermann Schlechert did a good deed by turning in the money to the police for someone to claim. After a life of drugs, alcohol, and prison he was able to redeem himself by turning in the money to the police and meeting the owner of the 7,000 Euros. The owner of the money was so grateful,  he offered Mr. Schlechert a job at a hotel. Not only that, but people from different organizations and foundations are also grateful and are donating money to Mr. Schlechert. With all of the money and a new job, Hermann was able to buy himself his very first apartment in his life.
This article is really heartwarming. It shows that there are still good people in the world and that good deeds can come with a reward, even if your past is dark. This could be a universal message that one small action can make such a world of difference which I think is a great message.

Die fünfte Jahreszeit

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-65422-25.html

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-65422-28.html

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-65422-12.html

Usually, people get together every now and then and have a good time. But in Germany, starting November 11, everybody comes together for forty days and just have one huge party. Everybody dresses crazy and just has an all out good time. In the US, you rarely have this happening. We have the Thanksgiving Day parades, parades in general, but the one that really stands out and sounds like Karneval is Mardi Gras. At both of these festivals, people dress crazy, drink with all of their friends, and have grandiose floats. The only difference about these festivals are the floats, as well. While at Mardi Gras the floats perceive popular things like fairy tale stories, the floats in Karneval are poking fun at political figures and what else is going on in the world. I think that surprised me the most because poking fun at political figures and political events around the world could really cause quite some controversy . Even with the controversial floats, I wasn't all that surprised. Germans, from what I've seen, like to celebrate anything and everything. So were my perceptions changed? Not in the slightest. This year I think the floats would have a variety of things. From the USA's presidential election to the Royal marriage. There is an array of things that could be done.

Corruption scandal shakes Vatican as internal letters leaked

The article I chose was about the Vatican and how it is seemingly corrupted. Culturally, the Vatican is known worldwide as being the stronghold of Catholic religion. It has also been subject of many books, movies, and controversy. A good amount of people will look up to the Vatican and see all that is good while others will do everything in their power to find anything wrong with it.

In U.S. culture, the only thing I can really compare this to is every controversy anyone in the U.S. will make up at all times of any day. What surprised me is that the article isn't really what I expected. When I read the title, I expected it to be something on those letters that would really stir up the system. Also, I wasn't expecting the working conditions at the Vatican to be that bad. I guess I was surprised because I expect more out of the Vatican. I also expected them to be cautious with their money... for some reason.

When thinking about what this article means in Swiss terms, I am, again, surprised. Everybody knows that Switzerland is a country that doesn't take sides and tries to stay at peace with everybody, yet this article is very controversial and can stir up a lot of trouble. On Swiss terms, this is a very bold jump on their part. This doesn't change my perception of them, though. To me it says they aren't afraid to write articles that will stir up trouble.

Essen und Kleidung

Ich liebe Essen. Ich denke Essen sind die beste, und Kleidung sind zweiten. Mein Lieblingsessen ist Hackfleisch, Pizza, und Händchen. Hackfleisch sind sehr gut aber es ist nicht sehr gut für dich. Alles liebe Pizza. Es schmeckt sehr gut. Dann, Händchen sind gut für deine Gesundheit. Ich liebe alles Obst. Es schmeckt mir gut. Äpfeln und Traube sind meine Lieblings.
Also, ich liebe Kleidung sehr viel. Ich gerne Jeans, Pullovers, T Shirts, Kleider, und Schuhen. Ich gefällt die Jeans und Pullovers. Ich passe T Shirts, aber ich will Kleider Verschließen nicht oft.

Beethoven Letter Discovered in Germany

In 1823 a letter was written to Franz Anton Stockhausen by the one and only Beethoven. This is culturally significant, to say the least. Beethoven was one of the most famous composers of all time. Not only is this letter a magnificent piece of discovery, it happens to be a moment in history that can now forever be remembered. The cultural aspect of it is that Beethoven was born in Bonn, making him a famous German composer. This discovery sheds light on anything Germany.

In American culture, we're more modern. We try and keep up with the trends of everyday. While in Europe, they have so much more history. They have kings, queens, music, literature, art, everything. Metaphorically, America is just a baby. It's been around for awhile now, but it doesn't measure up to Egypt, Europe, even Asia. We're just learning still.

On a scale of cultural importance from remotely important to extremely important, I would measure this article almost to extremely important. Beethoven was already an extremely important person in history and this letter just ups the ante. Germany is already a rich culture and I personally believe this adds to it immensely.