Germany and America in Contrast

        The German people seem to be viewed through a two dimensional prism in our country. The focus of the media on Germany tends mainly toward World War II documentaries and Hollywood films full of generalizations. Yet while most Americans would identify Germany with war and giant pretzels, the culture apparent in everyday life is too often lost in the shuffle. Having never traveled there my personal knowledge of Germany is limited to what little information I have gleaned from preconceptions and different forms of media. This includes everything from historical knowledge to very blatant stereotypes. Ignorance shrouds my view of the matter. However the homogeneous cultural background that exists in Germany is in stark contrast with the famously 'non-existent' or perhaps just heavily diluted American culture.

       The fact that the Germans are a people and nation unified by clear cultural ties is highly important to this topic of contrasts. While I cannot claim to know the historical backgrounds behind most German cultural traditions, it is their very presence that is vital. The celebration of Oktoberfest, the rich tradition of beer brewing, the wines of the Rheinland, the ceremonial wearing of Lederhosen; all are easily identifiable as purely German traditions. All symbolize a heritage that unites a country with a national identity. 

       The cultural identity of America, on the other hand, is unclear even for many Americans. This is due to the extremely heterogeneous mixture of peoples within our borders. An outsider might label us as an arrogant and greedy nation. On an individual level, however, the average American family has had all ties of ancestry stripped from them once they've reached the second or third generations. While certain nationalistic traditions endure, secular holidays in this country have become little more than an excuse to drink beer (one passion that we share with the German people). I cannot come close to articulating exactly what it is to be German, yet strangely my ideas on being American are almost as convoluted. My lack of clarity on German culture stems from ignorance, while the confusing ambiguity inherent in our national lifestyle obscures the true nature of culture in America.