It's World Cup time here in Germany, and the whole country is awash in a sea of black, red and gold patriotism, something I've never seen in my six years here. It's probably something the Germans haven't seen themselves since 1939, which is probably why they have this burning need to discuss the sudden appearance of German flags on car windows, hanging from aparments, painted on people's faces, etc. Is it acceptable for this former Land O' Nazis to be ... ahem ... patriotic? Is it dangerously close to be nationalism, all this mirth swathed in the national colors?
Wat doz dis mean??!!
So angst-ridden, these Germans. These sorts of questions would never be considered in America, not for one damn second, not even during a lousy run of even lousier reruns. The reasons are simple but plentiful. One: Being 'merican = being patrotic = flags on cars, houses, shirts, underwear, dogs = as normal as breathing and mysteriously low-carb bread to an American. Americans don't ask questions; they just kick ass and take names! Especially yours! Two: Americans do not look to find fault with any reason for jaunty partying. Something like that would require too much consideration, something Americans don't really like to do. Just get er done!
Germans, on the other hand, have made a national sport out of considering, pondering, mulling ... überlegen, if you will, with extra über, please. It's almost comical in its ubiquitousness. I say almost, because there's one factor that can quickly take away the amusement: proximity. Hogan's Heroes, pseudo Germans tucked safely away inside the television -- that's amusing. Uwe, Klaus and Bettina, real Germans sitting disapproving and pondering next to you on the subway -- that's less amusing.
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