Also there's this German girl in my class that, when we were discussing a what nationalism means, got very huffy and defensive about how nationalism in her Germany has a really terrible connotation. And when someone from America talked about how it can be positive in the way that it rallies people together, she went off about how because of Garmany's history, she doesn't identify with her country at all. "I don't feel German." She says.
How the fuck is a German supposed to feel?
What, do you think the world blames Germany for Nazis? Are you a Nazi because you're german? Like no. America has HUUUUUGE black spots on its history with regards to how we have dealth with minorities and the Native population that was there before we whites were. We all have something we are ashamed of. Taking that in and learning from it is what makes you a valuable person. You can't just be all "no I reject my country because I don't agree with its past."
Or I mean I guess you CAN, but you kind of look like an IDIOT.
There was a Roman Italian guy who talked about how proud he was to come from a country that gave the world civilization so why shouldn't the world want to learn more about whatever it was he had to say? And hey, welcome to the other side of the spectrum, buddy. Maybe you should remember a little more facism. Basically every country in the world has something in their history that should keep its people humble. That shame is constructive. Humanity is fragile.
"Personally I believe that if you aren't willing to accept the bad parts of your past, you don't deserve the good parts of your future."
Party tomorrow. Made a couple new german friends. I hope I get to practice, while i'm here.
me standing in a blizzard on a peak that was technically in Slovakia. Shit was cold.
The class subject matter sounds intimidating, but you're going to learn a lot! What's the syllabus like? Do you have to write papers, defend them orally, read and journal, or is it mainly lectures and exams?
ReplyDeleteYour classmates sound interesting. Did the guy from Rome have a *Roman* nose and a Caesar hairstyle? No offense to him, but aren't the ancient Greeks credited with laying the cornerstone of Western civilization? Plus, there were other non-Western civilizations which weren't too shabby either. He must be a confident young man.
About the German girl, cut her a little slack. Her experiences have been different than yours. You're young, but people from just a generation back often do make a knee-jerk connection between present-day Germany and the National Socialist Party. Listen to what people say with an open mind. Ask questions if appropriate, but don't be too quick to dismiss viewpoints which differ from yours.
Love the pictures. What I would give to stand on a peak in Slovakia, blizzard or not! Since I can't, I enjoy your photos. Hope your feet are better and you're over the Polish crud.
Keep on blogging.
That's a good point, but other Germans in the class were really irritated with her as well. Apparently she's like that in ever class.
ReplyDeleteMost of the classes are lecture based, tho they encourage participation in the American style (raise your hand and whatnot), and this class wanted a 15ish minute presentation and a 6-15 page paper. Both were on somewhat indeterminant topics.
I have decided to drop that class because I also have a language course that will me starting soon and I forgot that it will have its own workload.
I feel bad, because another German girl, Andrea, was quite friendly with me, and is stuck in that class tho she originally wanted to drop it.
Idk what a "roman" knows looks like (kindnof big and slightly hooked?) But I would lean towarns "yes" but "no" on the haircut.
Then again, his hairstyle was shaved. So.