Kultur 7

This group of readings seemed to cover an especially wide variety of topics compared to last term, which was interesting. Beginning with shopping, the article in the Vorsprung text (seite 251) as well the first regular article showed an interesting split in the shopping habits of Germans. The impersonal and somewhat coldly efficient style of the bargain stores seemed a little intimidating, but clearly tailors to a specific style of shopper, whereas the Vorsprung text described a much more personal and community based style. I’m not sure where I would fit in that split, because I do appreciate cold efficiency while preferring a higher quality product.

When it comes to courteousness in lines (“Of German Lines and Pythons”), I wonder if the brutal and competitive nature they describe is indicative of all Germany, or more just in certain regions. For example, in the US politeness in public seems to vary between regions (with New England being the worst!). As the Vorsprung article on Stuttgart suggested, perhaps their more laid back style may be more friendly then say Berlin or another northern city. Either way, cultural variance in Germany seems like an interesting subject to follow-up on.

-Cole