Kultur 10- John Fuerst

Selecting three articles from the extensive number of articles for this chapter, I chose three pieces handling cultural differences in traditions, store opening hours and Father's Day. Ich habe "'Dinner For Who?' Germany's New Year 'Procedure'", "Sorry We're Closed: The Challenge of Spending Money in Germany" und "Booze Brothers: Father's Day Debauchery in Deutschland" gelesen.

Upon reading about "Dinner For One", the British comedic short film that handles the NYE tradition of an old woman's butler going above and beyond to entertain his employer, I was really intrigued by the prospect of such a unanimously practiced tradition in a country. I personally find traditions as some of the most tell-tale cultural phenomena of a country, and this one in particular, I think, reveals Germany's soft side. Germans, who are worldwide renowned for their seriousness and businesslike nature, clearly know how to enjoy a good laugh with their relatives during the holiday season.

"Sorry We're Closed: The Challenge of Spending Money in Germany" detailed a cultural difference I was already very familiar with. Spending time in France with my family has yielded a large number of experiences that confirm that what this article specifies to Germany is actually a continental occurrence. My mother would often send me running out to the corner bakery or butcher to fetch something just before dinnertime, when, to my dismay, I would have to come empty handed because the store was already "fermée".

Finally, the article I found most surprising, "Booze Brothers: Father's Day Debauchery in Deutschland", discussed a German tradition I would have to say really suited my interest. In the U.S., our simple card and new pair of socks routine is rather loathsome in comparison to the German's day, fully dedicated to what men like to do best: drink. If I could institute a cultural tradition found in Germany but not here, this would definitely be it.