Читать книгу Going Abroad 2014 - Waldemar A. Pfoertsch - Страница 10

Two important factors that influence the way a culture develops are geography and history. The following examples demonstrate what impact history had on the United States of America and on Germany.

In America, the pioneer spirit permeates its culture. The philosophy of starting out with nothing and then being able to achieve anything in life, if one just works hard enough, is very typically American. Children grow up with a strong sense of pride for their country, being taught that America is a unique and special place, and that they are lucky to be growing up in such a great nation. Up until recently, each school day started out with a recitation of the “pledge of allegiance” and the national anthem is played at the beginning of every sports event. In the attitudes and ways of doing business, Americans are guided by this strong sense of patriotism.

On the other hand, Germans of the current generation never learned to be proud of their country. Although National Socialism and World War II are history, consequences can still be felt. Very few Germans exhibit national pride, and hanging a national flag out of their window, something very common in America, is rarely done. In contrast to American pride, Germans are very careful about what they say or do concerning nationalism. It is no surprise that in business and in private life, the average German does not tend to take big risks in general, preferring security and predictability.