I found some comments on german customs for newcomers to a local US army base here in Stuttgart. Some comments are hilarious from my point of view, but some I can confirm.
To add to the forum topic, however: I have noticed a few differences between East and West Coasters in America. Those on the East coast can sometimes be more reserved. From what I saw growing up there, they have their space, and others are not welcome to invade it. West Coasters (at least where I come from), on the other hand, are all about the hugs.
Hear hear! I'm from Seattle originally (miss it terribly), and moving to NC was a huge culture shock. The reserved people, the saccharine politeness, the lack of *verve*... it all drives me nuts. Where's the energy? Where's the zest? For god's sake, where's the *love*??
I once heard America described culturally as "imagine if all of Europe spoke one language". NWers are distinct in most every way from NYers, or LAos, TXns, SFcois, FLians, etc, etc. All we seem to share is a federal government and (mostly) a basic language.
Interesting thread. I've travelled some, but have so many places I would love to visit. Here's what I think:
Americans: friendly and happy for the most part but also arrogant and "ignorant". Ignorant about world affairs/history and world culture and surprisingly....ignorant about their own history. (ever watch Jay Leno's Jaywalking?
English: proper and polite...when not at the pub and when not watching "footie" (soccer). Arrogant aswell.
Scots: fun loving, friendly and heavy duty drinkers!
French: arrogant and cold if you don't know them. Then just arrogant.
South Africans: Unsure about this one. I have met some of the nicest,sweetest people and also a couple of the most arrogant a$$es ever from SA. If you ever get a chance to visit Cape Town....DO IT!!! It's gorgeous.
Brazilians: party, party party! Friendly people. LOVED it there. Rio is another DO NOT MISS city. Bring your Canadian passport these days though lol. jk
argentinians: to a non spanish speaking tourist, argentinians may just seem a little "cold". But to a tri-lingual speaker like myself....the most arrogant, full of **** people in all of planet Earth. They like to phrase everything in the silliest(ridiculous?) egotistical way. It's so blatant that it's funny for the first 24 hours. Then ...well, it totally ceases to be.
South-americans(besides brasil/argentina): warm and friendly. Colombian and venezuelan women are HOT. And I mean HOT. Chileans are extremely well educated.
Central Americans in general: very humble, friendly and generous people....unless they're rich. Then you understand why the societies down there are sooo polarized.
One interesting story. My nephew made it on the Tonight Show's jaywalking a few years ago. It was a Thanksgiving "special". Anyways, Jay was asking the kids questions related to Turkey day. So Jay asks my nephew where the pilgrim fathers came from.
His reply?....Italy!! Needless to say, most of my family did not leave their homes for a couple of weeks. Those brave enough to go out wore paper bags over their heads. Until this day,mentioning the "incident" is considered taboo around here.
Carol, there are large countercultures in both Syria and Iran that could be described as 'pro-west' but it isn't really political, it is just a youth that wants to have sex, drink a lot and listen to rock music. I suppose they got that way because that's how it is. In part it might be a reaction against strict religion but Syria isn't strict - imo it is the other way round, the mullahs are reacting against the youth (or trying to suppress them) and this is creating a counter-culture which finds expression in 'western' ways.
......It is a mistake to assume that this means pro-west though.
Have you been there? Do you know for a fact that this is what's happening? How are you so confident in this? I'm just curious to what's actually going on in those countries and what may become of the region.
For example, I think Americans are open and friendly.
The Americans (of USA) are generally seen by Europeans happy, but with prozac or with just a happy face but hiding their true inside (feelings etc).
Still seen by Europeans: (sorry, this thread will go to stereotypes)
Argentinians have a weak sense of self (esteem).
Brazilians are wanna-be-latins, with the American happy surface, just don't scratch them as there is often nothing under.
Finns .. see Drifting Clouds and you've seen their attitudes and gestures. That movie is so funny..
Italians .. seen by Americans: all have a nice car and a vespa and they spend all their income in clothing and drink all the time cappuccinos in the local bar, the males all being sooo affascinated by the american and german turist ladies. Northern seen by south: they have more money, they keep everything in order, drive organized, have ugly accents, they spend their time insdie or in pubs. South by north: everything is chaotic, people are all pickpockets, topinos and assassins, mafiosos etc.. no one can drive, and they go shopping for their clothes in local markets (yeah...)
I could go on, but .. why? The only way the charachters are visible in you are when you a) live in "your original country" or b) have lived in "your original country" for most of your life, and then have moved to another country.
So what can you say of "national traits" of e.g. one of my Finn friends who moved to South Africa when he was 5, has since lived in Spain, Ireland, UK, Germany, Switzerland, USA, and when I lost his contacts, he with his parents were moving to Indonesia??? You could find anything you wanted in hte characther traits, something added in Spain, Ireland etc.. though a 6'5" blond guy turned many heads in a small souther spanish village..
I found some comments on german customs for newcomers to a local US army base here in Stuttgart. Some comments are hilarious from my point of view, but some I can confirm.
Hi GSpotter - I read the complete article. I am curious to find out which are the comments you found hilarious, and why?
Hear hear! I'm from Seattle originally (miss it terribly), and moving to NC was a huge culture shock. The reserved people, the saccharine politeness, the lack of *verve*... it all drives me nuts. Where's the energy? Where's the zest? For god's sake, where's the *love*??
I once heard America described culturally as "imagine if all of Europe spoke one language". NWers are distinct in most every way from NYers, or LAos, TXns, SFcois, FLians, etc, etc. All we seem to share is a federal government and (mostly) a basic language.
Hi Kickaha -
The Pacific Northwest is just incomparable. I love everything about it; and when I have a chance, spend as much of my summer up there as I can manage - preferably at least 4-6 weeks.
The Oregon coast is simply stunning, and I always rent beach cottages there for 3 weeks minimum. I would give anything to own a cottage there (it's one of my life goals - hehe). I love Seattle, but the traffic problems are surreal. Victoria is a gem; Vancouver gorgeous; the Inside Passage fantastic. I adore Alaska and some of the rugged people you can find there. But when I was there a few years ago, I was surprised that some towns seemed more like those in the lower 48 than I would have hoped (McDonald's, etc. )
Plus, the people in the Pacific Northwest are so into natural stuff and the outdoors, kayaking, climbing, skiing, windsurfing, etc. Lots of energy. Love it!
Two places you should *NOT* miss out on then: Kalaloch, and the San Juan Islands.
Kalaloch consists of the Kalaloch Lodge on the cliffs of the Pacific, and a gas station. Oh, and a ranger shack across the 'highway'. The Hoh Rain Forest is just up the road, and Lake Quinalt is about an hour south. Beaches ranging from sand to rock are just minutes away, and the entire area is just surreally beautiful. There are cabins on the cliffs that you can rent for reasonable prices - the best time, IMHO, is midwinter, for the storms that come off the ocean. 30-40' waves crashing on the cliffs, howling winds, icy cold... and a fire roaring in your cabin to huddle next to after a wonderful meal at the Lodge. Nirvana.
The San Juans are at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and are just blissful. I vacationed there with my family when I was 13, and decided that was where I wanted to retire: Doe Bay, Orcas Island. I haven't been anywhere that has changed that opinion. The climate, topology (Orcas is 56 sq miles, and Mt Constitution is 2800ft), varied vegetation (ever seen a hillside where the windward side is Spanish moss, cedar and ferns, while the leeward side is prickly pear cactus, sage, and grasses?), and people are just perfect for my tastes.
The following are meant to be entirely the thoughts of Mr and Mrs English Stereotype (by my stereotyped opinion).
English stereotypes of...
... ourselves: repressed/polite/pants at everything/<<<self-deprecating OR football hooligans
... the French (we're TOLD we dislike them; and it is always "the" French, in a derogatory way): arrogant (they are so proud of French language and culture)/stubborn (Chirac over UN Veto over Iraq)/passionate (Sex, Fashion, Arthouse Film)/women have hairy armpits
... Americans (we don't understand what states are let alone distinguish between their people): arrogant/ignorant/loud/fat/has a gun (epitomised by stereotype of Texan, unfortunately... for any Texans here... or GWBush - without the "fat")
... Germans(don't mention the War): efficient (BMWs)/like techno music/dorkish (sandals, shorts and hairy legs)
... South Americans: beautiful women (regardless if you've ever seen a S American woman or not)/great 'natural' footballers/poor
... Australians and N Zealanders (what's the difference) tanned/fun lovers (surfers, swimmers)/beer drinkers/easy going
... Chinese Communist/err... COMMunist/hard workers/reserved
... Japanese follow trends/work hard/ambitious (go for the money)/technologically advanced
Our stereotype is: best singers in the world, hard drinking bardic poets who hate the English, burn down their holiday cottages and start speaking to them in Welsh so as they don't understand....
it's all true
Oh no, Segovius - I know you too well to EVER call you English! hahahaha Btw, CAN you sing? hehe.
Stereotypes sucks. National traits are stereotypes indeed. It's mandatory to try to avoid them.
When you encounter someone neighboor of the town who was born there, you don't think he is from here, so he think this way or that way. you see someone, and you try to discover his own personalitty. If he sucks you don't think : my town is full of sucker.
Funny to consider that we are not worried to generalise stereotypes, when we deal with strangers.
I LOVE the ecuadorians. okay, i have never been there, but the family my fiancee lived with when studying there have treated me almost as kin! they have written me letters and sent me gifts, and i haven't even met them. if we can use this family as an example, folks from ecuador are the warmest, nicest people in the world!
Hi GSpotter - I read the complete article. I am curious to find out which are the comments you found hilarious, and why?
OK, Carol. Especially for you:
On the road: Rather accurate, unfortunately.
Standing in line: Unfortunately, I must agree with that.
Greeting people: Maybe a bit exaggerated - but only a bit.
First time meetings: Depends on the social groups and the age, probably. Many younger Germans wouldn't miss the chance to show off their english language skills
Language: Mostly correct. Fräulein is mostly used by older people. Many younger women and girls would might get angry when called Fräulein.
Visiting friends: Gifts are not required when visiting friends. Only appropriate if you visit for the first time or rather seldomly.
Fresh air: There's a true core to it, but written like that, Germans seem to be very strange people to me
Restaurants: Mostly true. Only the "Sharing tables" I cannot confirm - at least for most restaurants.
Smoking and drinking: Non-smoking gets more popular here, too. (E.g. I did never start smoking). The text seems to be old anyway (it still mentions Mark and Pfennig, not Euro and Cent). Toasting is less common in reality. In Germany, you can drink alcohol at 18. I think beer is allowed from 16 on. The beer is good, but I prefer australian, spanish or californian wine.
The German Fest: Mostly accurate. Personally, I'm no big fan of the Volksfest. Sitting in big tents with hundreds of drunken people with a smell of cigarette smoke and grilled chicken in the air isn't really my favorite way to spend my time.
Comments
Originally posted by Nebulous
To add to the forum topic, however: I have noticed a few differences between East and West Coasters in America. Those on the East coast can sometimes be more reserved. From what I saw growing up there, they have their space, and others are not welcome to invade it. West Coasters (at least where I come from), on the other hand, are all about the hugs.
Hear hear! I'm from Seattle originally (miss it terribly), and moving to NC was a huge culture shock. The reserved people, the saccharine politeness, the lack of *verve*... it all drives me nuts. Where's the energy? Where's the zest? For god's sake, where's the *love*??
I once heard America described culturally as "imagine if all of Europe spoke one language". NWers are distinct in most every way from NYers, or LAos, TXns, SFcois, FLians, etc, etc. All we seem to share is a federal government and (mostly) a basic language.
Americans: friendly and happy for the most part but also arrogant and "ignorant". Ignorant about world affairs/history and world culture and surprisingly....ignorant about their own history. (ever watch Jay Leno's Jaywalking?
English: proper and polite...when not at the pub and when not watching "footie" (soccer). Arrogant aswell.
Scots: fun loving, friendly and heavy duty drinkers!
French: arrogant and cold if you don't know them. Then just arrogant.
South Africans: Unsure about this one. I have met some of the nicest,sweetest people and also a couple of the most arrogant a$$es ever from SA. If you ever get a chance to visit Cape Town....DO IT!!! It's gorgeous.
Brazilians: party, party party! Friendly people. LOVED it there. Rio is another DO NOT MISS city. Bring your Canadian passport these days though lol. jk
argentinians: to a non spanish speaking tourist, argentinians may just seem a little "cold". But to a tri-lingual speaker like myself....the most arrogant, full of **** people in all of planet Earth. They like to phrase everything in the silliest(ridiculous?) egotistical way. It's so blatant that it's funny for the first 24 hours. Then ...well, it totally ceases to be.
South-americans(besides brasil/argentina): warm and friendly. Colombian and venezuelan women are HOT. And I mean HOT. Chileans are extremely well educated.
Central Americans in general: very humble, friendly and generous people....unless they're rich. Then you understand why the societies down there are sooo polarized.
One interesting story. My nephew made it on the Tonight Show's jaywalking a few years ago. It was a Thanksgiving "special". Anyways, Jay was asking the kids questions related to Turkey day. So Jay asks my nephew where the pilgrim fathers came from.
His reply?....Italy!!
They are so polite that they'd consider it rude to leave their own home.
Instead they borrow vidoes of other countries and make nice clock cuckoos and holes with cheese around it.
Aqua..
( Whose ever met a swiss tourist ? if you have, you've probably met an imposter. )
Originally posted by segovius
Carol, there are large countercultures in both Syria and Iran that could be described as 'pro-west' but it isn't really political, it is just a youth that wants to have sex, drink a lot and listen to rock music. I suppose they got that way because that's how it is. In part it might be a reaction against strict religion but Syria isn't strict - imo it is the other way round, the mullahs are reacting against the youth (or trying to suppress them) and this is creating a counter-culture which finds expression in 'western' ways.
......It is a mistake to assume that this means pro-west though.
Have you been there? Do you know for a fact that this is what's happening? How are you so confident in this? I'm just curious to what's actually going on in those countries and what may become of the region.
Originally posted by Carol A
For example, I think Americans are open and friendly.
The Americans (of USA) are generally seen by Europeans happy, but with prozac or with just a happy face but hiding their true inside (feelings etc).
Still seen by Europeans: (sorry, this thread will go to stereotypes)
Argentinians have a weak sense of self (esteem).
Brazilians are wanna-be-latins, with the American happy surface, just don't scratch them as there is often nothing under.
Finns .. see Drifting Clouds and you've seen their attitudes and gestures. That movie is so funny..
Italians .. seen by Americans: all have a nice car and a vespa and they spend all their income in clothing and drink all the time cappuccinos in the local bar, the males all being sooo affascinated by the american and german turist ladies. Northern seen by south: they have more money, they keep everything in order, drive organized, have ugly accents, they spend their time insdie or in pubs. South by north: everything is chaotic, people are all pickpockets, topinos and assassins, mafiosos etc.. no one can drive, and they go shopping for their clothes in local markets (yeah...)
I could go on, but .. why? The only way the charachters are visible in you are when you a) live in "your original country" or b) have lived in "your original country" for most of your life, and then have moved to another country.
So what can you say of "national traits" of e.g. one of my Finn friends who moved to South Africa when he was 5, has since lived in Spain, Ireland, UK, Germany, Switzerland, USA, and when I lost his contacts, he with his parents were moving to Indonesia??? You could find anything you wanted in hte characther traits, something added in Spain, Ireland etc.. though a 6'5" blond guy turned many heads in a small souther spanish village..
Originally posted by GSpotter
I found some comments on german customs for newcomers to a local US army base here in Stuttgart. Some comments are hilarious from my point of view, but some I can confirm.
Hi GSpotter - I read the complete article. I am curious to find out which are the comments you found hilarious, and why?
Thanks.
Originally posted by 709
Avoid relationships with French women at all costs.
especially with mine
Originally posted by Kickaha
Hear hear! I'm from Seattle originally (miss it terribly), and moving to NC was a huge culture shock. The reserved people, the saccharine politeness, the lack of *verve*... it all drives me nuts. Where's the energy? Where's the zest? For god's sake, where's the *love*??
I once heard America described culturally as "imagine if all of Europe spoke one language". NWers are distinct in most every way from NYers, or LAos, TXns, SFcois, FLians, etc, etc. All we seem to share is a federal government and (mostly) a basic language.
Hi Kickaha -
The Pacific Northwest is just incomparable. I love everything about it; and when I have a chance, spend as much of my summer up there as I can manage - preferably at least 4-6 weeks.
The Oregon coast is simply stunning, and I always rent beach cottages there for 3 weeks minimum. I would give anything to own a cottage there (it's one of my life goals - hehe). I love Seattle, but the traffic problems are surreal. Victoria is a gem; Vancouver gorgeous; the Inside Passage fantastic. I adore Alaska and some of the rugged people you can find there. But when I was there a few years ago, I was surprised that some towns seemed more like those in the lower 48 than I would have hoped (McDonald's, etc.
Plus, the people in the Pacific Northwest are so into natural stuff and the outdoors, kayaking, climbing, skiing, windsurfing, etc. Lots of energy. Love it!
Kalaloch consists of the Kalaloch Lodge on the cliffs of the Pacific, and a gas station. Oh, and a ranger shack across the 'highway'. The Hoh Rain Forest is just up the road, and Lake Quinalt is about an hour south. Beaches ranging from sand to rock are just minutes away, and the entire area is just surreally beautiful. There are cabins on the cliffs that you can rent for reasonable prices - the best time, IMHO, is midwinter, for the storms that come off the ocean. 30-40' waves crashing on the cliffs, howling winds, icy cold... and a fire roaring in your cabin to huddle next to after a wonderful meal at the Lodge. Nirvana.
The San Juans are at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and are just blissful. I vacationed there with my family when I was 13, and decided that was where I wanted to retire: Doe Bay, Orcas Island. I haven't been anywhere that has changed that opinion. The climate, topology (Orcas is 56 sq miles, and Mt Constitution is 2800ft), varied vegetation (ever seen a hillside where the windward side is Spanish moss, cedar and ferns, while the leeward side is prickly pear cactus, sage, and grasses?), and people are just perfect for my tastes.
English stereotypes of...
... ourselves: repressed/polite/pants at everything/<<<self-deprecating OR football hooligans
... the French (we're TOLD we dislike them; and it is always "the" French, in a derogatory way): arrogant (they are so proud of French language and culture)/stubborn (Chirac over UN Veto over Iraq)/passionate (Sex, Fashion, Arthouse Film)/women have hairy armpits
... Americans (we don't understand what states are let alone distinguish between their people): arrogant/ignorant/loud/fat/has a gun (epitomised by stereotype of Texan, unfortunately... for any Texans here... or GWBush - without the "fat")
... Germans(don't mention the War): efficient (BMWs)/like techno music/dorkish (sandals, shorts and hairy legs)
... South Americans: beautiful women (regardless if you've ever seen a S American woman or not)/great 'natural' footballers/poor
... Australians and N Zealanders (what's the difference) tanned/fun lovers (surfers, swimmers)/beer drinkers/easy going
... Chinese Communist/err... COMMunist/hard workers/reserved
... Japanese follow trends/work hard/ambitious (go for the money)/technologically advanced
Originally posted by segovius
Hehe - if you mean me it's coz I'm Welsh !
Our stereotype is: best singers in the world, hard drinking bardic poets who hate the English, burn down their holiday cottages and start speaking to them in Welsh so as they don't understand....
it's all true
Oh no, Segovius - I know you too well to EVER call you English!
When you encounter someone neighboor of the town who was born there, you don't think he is from here, so he think this way or that way. you see someone, and you try to discover his own personalitty. If he sucks you don't think : my town is full of sucker.
Funny to consider that we are not worried to generalise stereotypes, when we deal with strangers.
Originally posted by Carol A
Hi GSpotter - I read the complete article. I am curious to find out which are the comments you found hilarious, and why?
OK, Carol. Especially for you:
On the road: Rather accurate, unfortunately.
Standing in line: Unfortunately, I must agree with that.
Greeting people: Maybe a bit exaggerated - but only a bit.
First time meetings: Depends on the social groups and the age, probably. Many younger Germans wouldn't miss the chance to show off their english language skills
Language: Mostly correct. Fräulein is mostly used by older people. Many younger women and girls would might get angry when called Fräulein.
Visiting friends: Gifts are not required when visiting friends. Only appropriate if you visit for the first time or rather seldomly.
Fresh air:
Restaurants: Mostly true. Only the "Sharing tables" I cannot confirm - at least for most restaurants.
Smoking and drinking: Non-smoking gets more popular here, too. (E.g. I did never start smoking). The text seems to be old anyway (it still mentions Mark and Pfennig, not Euro and Cent). Toasting is less common in reality. In Germany, you can drink alcohol at 18. I think beer is allowed from 16 on. The beer is good, but I prefer australian, spanish or californian wine.
The German Fest: Mostly accurate. Personally, I'm no big fan of the Volksfest. Sitting in big tents with hundreds of drunken people with a smell of cigarette smoke and grilled chicken in the air isn't really my favorite way to spend my time.