Kultur 5

This weeks readings were definitely enjoyable, as they have been every week so far. The German culture and society slowly but surely has become more and more endearing, albeit socially awkward. The article on public shoving (Rules of the Street) was the most similar to the United States, in my opinion. Depending on where one is in the US, the use of “excuse me” vice shoving someone out of the way can vary. In New England, they just don’t care; they’ll push you down. In the North West, people are usually more vocally rude, but won’t push you. Here in the Mid West, it seems to be the most polite and respectful place for pedestrian etiquette.

Similarly, the article on flirting was an interesting comparison of different social norms. The more subtle, yet possibly boring manner in which men and women flirt with one another stands in stark contrast to American norms. Whereas Americans seem to be more inviting to more direct flirting, the Germans do are not. Their subtle and slower approach to flirting and dating seems rather odd for a society that prides itself on its directness.

In all, these two and the other articles were another interesting example of the endearing, socially awkward German culture that I am growing to love.

-Cole