Samantha Lord
COM 342
Research Paper
11/30/05
Germany
The culture of present-day Germany displays an intriguing mix of generations-old
traditions and new social developments of the mid to late 20
th
century. The country’s
complicated past remains a significant influence still very much felt in German society.
The intricacy and diversity of the country have contributed to what appears to be an
elusive and somewhat indefinable national identity – one not easily understood by either
Germans themselves or those looking in from the outside. For Americans wishing to
bridge international cultural barriers, understanding the complexity of Germany and its
cultural themes and values provides at least a starting point towards meaningful
communication with Germans. Awareness of differing communication styles is also key
to successful communication.
Perceptions of Germany have long been tainted by the country’s troubled past.
The name of Germany carries possibly more negative connotations than the name of any
other country. Wars, and leaders who were more concerned about their own prerogatives
than the welfare of the people with whom they were entrusted, and who trusted them,
have been a major plague. Germany’s turbulent and often lurid past has not only caused a
tainted perspective to outsiders, but has also been the source of the low national pride of
its own citizens. World War II had a most devastating effect on German national pride.
Cynthia Lynn Miller believes that one reason national pride is currently so frowned upon