Kultur 9

Germany's obsession with documentation in "Bereaucracy Gone Awry" was not in the least surprising to me. Through almost every set of Kultur-Texts, we've read something to do with Germans' strong sense of "Ordnung". Whether it's subway stare-downs, waiting at crosswalks on empty streets, or keeping windows closed, it seems the Germans do not care much for change, and like to have a strong backbone of societal values to build upon. The Leitz Ordner seems to echo this philosophy, with Germans keeping track of every possible important transaction or achievement, so that they can properly fit into their role in the overall "Ordnung".

Their rules on noise, "quiet hours", and other disturbances also seemed par for the course. Much like the subway-stare-down, or hastiness to close a drafty window, Germans like their routine and do not like to be inconvenienced by others. So when neighbors are being loud, or disturbing the comfortable daily rituals of another, most do not stand for it, much like any other social faux pas that go against the established "Ordnung".

My class actually brought up German patriotism one day in 101, and we were informed all about how outside of international events, or prominent sporting events, German patriotism is generally rather subdued compared to the gung-ho, jingoistic American way. I find the whole German idea of subdued public displays of emotion really interesting: that showing love, or pride publicly is frowned upon, and should rather be replaced by moderate humility. Maybe they just get it all out of their system during the World Cup.