Those Naive, Ignorant Americans

6.4.2009
While I had heard of lingering post-war negative sentiments towards Americans, an interview with a local German taught me otherwise. This time with Juregen provided myself with a further understanding of German culture.
While inquiring about German attitudes towards President Obama, the kind Franconian simply responded in just a few short words, “He’s an American.” As I soon came to find out, most Americans are seen as being self-centered, ignorant and stupid. For a continent which the United States has invested so much in, it would seem intuitive that they would be grateful. And yet this is not so. While they are relatively quick to point our triumph in the Second World War, they just as easily point to Vietnam as an event of hypocrisy and wrong-doing. In addition, this man claimed to have experienced American blunder first hand. When he was just eight years old, he lived near a military base and out of nowhere heard “get down, get down,” as military exercises were being performed. Unfortunately—if true this reflects very poorly on Americans and is a sign of possible racism on the Yankee side.
In addition to Jurgen’s input, I had one other experience which in retrospect made clear Germans thoughts of Americans as being stupid. While crossing the foot bridge in Wurzburg, my bike pedal came off. Futilely, I attempted to kick it back on. During the course of this, I overheard numerous passing snickers. I strongly believe if I could have read their thoughts, it would have been along the lines of “that stupid American, he got gyped and had no idea.” In the eyes of most Europeans, I realized that I am nothing more than dumb and know nothing of the real world.


Our kind, biased--and yet also suspicious impromptu host in Wurzburg (and Megan too)

Closer to God

6.3.2009


As I usher my astonished body into the cathedral, the piousness seems to emanate deeply. Whether my prayer has recently been good or sauntered, I instantly feel much closer to God. With such intent in mind, Bamberg Cathedral was designed ages ago. Like a painter that cannot make up his mind on his genre, the architecture sits oddly.
The strong, powerful fortress of a church is surrounded by thick, heavy stone walls reminiscent of the Romanesque style displaying the church’s might. In addition, statues of the church fathers and Biblical characters remind one of the long, rich history of Christianity. Transitioning to Baroque architecture the cathedral’s ceiling consists of a high and pointed vaulted arch.
By observing this sight, my mind begins to question my pre-conceived notions of the Catholic church as being fallible. Rather, I find myself better able to appreciate such a church that has withstood for over millennia and appears to be fairly doctrinally sound as seen in the artwork. In addition, the ornamental decorations lead me to comprehend such lavish furnishing as an offering unto to God. I soon find myself comparing this to my rather plain, drab home church complete with retro 1970s pews and floor. Whether or not it is theologically sound to such expensive embellishments as the ones that I am looking at, it is very evident that the body of church put forth a great deal of effort in making the house of God a work of innate beauty.



Wurzburg Dom -- Another fine Cathedral

Vorsich Electrozaun

I haven't added anything in a while so...
6.2.2009
In preparation for the trip it was brought up how open, or lack thereof Germans really are. As I walked about today, German people seemed to not even notice my existence. Thus, while passing through a street here in Margetsocheim hearing a simple “abend” seemed like a relative oddity.
From the vantage point of German history, this should come as no surprise. Over the course of centuries Germans have experienced life on the outer edge and not only tended to value personal space but appear to even take objection if one threatens it, as in the time of the Roman Empire.
This in particular stood out to me as I took a walk this evening. Unlike in America where individuals tend to flaunt their front yard, Germans have little or even none such visible space. I noticed that a majority of the homes have a gated-off courtyard, preventing passersby from observing their front door. On top of this, outside telecom systems allow home owners to screen who may even reach their door. For houses that are not accompanied by such a courtyard, the yard or space in front of the house is usually fenced off. At the fence to the garden of one house in particular an ominous sign read “Vorsicht Electrozaun” implying that stepping foot onto their yard would be a painful mistake.