Friday, March 16, 2012

Final Reflection

Germanys culture differs from our culture in many ways.  Just by reading articles these past few months the news Germany reports is like a breath of fresh air.  For example, when one is asked on how they feel about watching the news in America the most common answer I have heard was, "The news just depresses me." With all the crime and murder that is showed on the news I do not blame the people who make that statement.  The German articles I had read were all strong news related. The main topics were about the government, health related issues or about famous people in the country.  They focus less on the “juicy” stuff and focused on the hard facts.  Now they did have some articles such as the Ice Lady who killed her husband and child or the one where the Judge is being accused of killing his cat, but the public does have a right to know this information and to be able to get involved in their society.  If I could characterize Germany and its neighbors into one word it would be informative.  They do not skip around with fluffy details and get to the hard facts.  In my opinion, that his how the news should be., straight facts, to keep the citizens interested.
The culture of Germany is much more relaxed. I say this because they do not make such a big deal of things like us Americans do.  As an America I feel as if we as people should be more accepting of others and their differences.  Germany and Austria are proud of their country and are welcoming of others who respect it.  I feel as if America should do the same, become more accepting as long as who ever decides to come into our country respects it.  Germany is also likes to celebrate more then we do, and they seem to enjoy it more than we do.  I say this because if you think about, for example, Thanksgiving. It’s a time where we come together with our families and have amazing food, However, what do we see on TV? Ad’s promoting weight loss, articles telling us how bad those mash potatoes are for us, and people refusing pumpkin pie.  We as Americans put so much stress on ourselves we forget to enjoy ourselves even on the Holidays. Then there is Germany who has Karnival and Oktoberfest and could care less about how many Brot and beer they’re consuming.  They know how to let their guard down better than we do.  Not saying Germany is the better culture. Each and every culture has its pros and cons.  In America we do have more holidays from different cultures around the world such as St. Patrick’s day, we really are a melting pot because are holidays come from all over the world.
Germany, Austria and Switzerland have very similar views and ways of doing things. I found many articles about politics and other worldly news in each country.  what is going on in their own town and in the world. 
From living in Germany for four years when I was younger, I already knew a lot about the German culture and what it consist of.  Germany is a very proud country and likes to show off how great they are continuously through interesting articles. On the contrary, they are not conceited but more like quiet lions, proud but not boastful.  One thing I did not know about Germany was how they celebrated holidays.  I would love to go back their one day and celebrate with them and enjoy their events and activities they have going on during the year.  I feel as a small, shy child (I was actually terrified All three countries take pride in their culture, and love to inform their people in of some Germans!) I did not take the great oppurtuinty to celebrate with them.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Prince's Veto

In Liechtenstein', The prince as well as his royal family recently discovered GENVA, a bill or a refredrum as they call it in their country to allows the people have more of a say.  This refredum is wanting the people to be allowed to remove the power of th veto.  In the article it states that the royal family is "astonished" by this move. 

I personally believe that the royal family should be ashamed of themslves.  They should want their people to have a say in their country.  I believe to be a strong leader you have to remain true to your own beliefs but be able to hear your people and relate to them.  So many thins have gone wrong historically where people of a higher power did not listen to the people.  I hope the royal family looks back on their mistake and becomes a bit more open minded.

In an America, we have the power of voice. We are allowed to say what we want and express how we feel.  It is challenging to change a law because so much has to be put into it.  However, I believe our leaders are doing the best they can. They cannot make everyone happy, thats just not possible. Nevertheless they can continue to give our people the right to veto or make laws.

Article :http://www.incyprus.com.cy/en-gb/Showbiz/4118/25741/prince-vetoes-the-veto

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Judge kills kitty

Animal cruelty is just as bad as child abuse in my personal opinion.  In Austria a Judge stated that his ex-girlfriend killed and pinned his dead cat to his front door. Later investigation showed that he may of been the one to kill his cat in order to get his ex-girlfriend to stop coming over.  He is now suspended until the investigation is done with.

I think it is nice that Austria makes issues such as animal cruelty a big deal.  As an animal lover myself I believe that animals should have their own speical rights and that animal cruelty should be seen as a federal offence.  I wish America could show issues like this more often too show how people treat animals with indecentcy. America instead like to make a bigger deal of celebrities such as Whitney Houston whom killed herself and made her own poor descisions.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Karnival YAY!

http://gallery.hd.org/_exhibits/places-and-sights/_more2002/_more02/Malta-Valletta-Karnival-carnival-time-Feb2002-float-1-DHD.jpg
http://www.spielwelt.org.au/download/karnival2008pic.jpg
http://year5.skola.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/gozo_king_carnival_2009_jpg.jpg

Karnival is celebrated throughout all of Germany. It is claimed to be the "fifth season" in Germany, its celebrated all throughout Lent until Easter.  The beginning day of it is November 11th , people dress us as clowns and there are parades.  There is a Woman week for Karnival when the woman can kiss any guy they want after they cut their tie.  Then there is Rose Monday where there is a giant parade with floats. People throw confetti and toys.  They also have costume balls. 
I am surprised on how long it is and how many people celebrated. Here in America we have many holidays where we have parades such as Thanksgiving and St.Patricks day and we all come together and celebrate but only for that day.  I admire for the Germans to have that much commitment to celebrate something for that long period  of time. I feel as if us Americans don't have the desire or time for such things. Which us unfortunate.  What does suprise me is the nudity in the floats.  If there was any nudity in the floats in American Parades I bet you there will be a riot. I also find it funny that they mock their politics. Which would also be more shocking in American culture.
It did not change my perception of Germany.  It just made it better and realized how dedicate German is to their own culture.  It is important because it brings people together to celebrate a important event.  It helps the culture grow stronger and keeps people together and helps the community become stronger. 
I think the floats would be about  hating Greece, Gas Prices , and American pulling out of the war.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Berlin and their disliking towards german.

Website source http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15621262,00.html

Berlin is not only the capital of Germany, but is one of the most visited cities for tourist. In the article Berliners feel as if their beloved city is becoming over populated by tourist and are destroying their city.  The article made me feel more bad for the tourist then I did for the citizens of Berlin.  I believe that cities make themselves "ultimate tourist destination" because everyone wants to make money and know that tourist will be willing to spend money in a country they have never been to before.
 American cities such as New york city and L.A are the same way, they complain about all the tourist and how it is destroying their city as well. I think people are overreactiing and should be more appricative about the toursit who come and visit their City.  It should make them proud and want to teach the tourist things about the city they do not already know about. 

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Culture

Germany is a very proud country.  They are proud of who they are and what they do.  They respect others if you respect their own culture.  American culture on the other hand is very laid back and doesnt take too much pride as the germans do.  Germans like do dance and sing publically when americans are more private when it comes to celebrating. Americans dont do well with strangers when Germans do not mind comeing up to random people on the street and strking up a random conversation.