All nations, cultures, social groups etc. are likely to have stereotypes about other groups, and the British are no exception in that they share cultural stereotypes about many other nations. Among the most distinct and abiding stereotypes held in Britain are probably the ones related to Germans. Rainer Emig, professor of English Studies at the University of Hanover, writes that both nations are said to have been ‘troubled with at least a double identity of positive and negative self-images’ (2000, p. 7) and comments:
One could regard it as a joke: two European countries with complex identities of their own as well as a long history of cultural, economic and political interchanges (some more positive and productive than others, of course) are engaged in the highly delicate act of negotiating their role and participation in a changing Europe.
(Emig, 2000, p. 1)
Activity 1
Read the following extract taken from Rainer Emig’s introductory chapter about presumed reasons for the mutual admiration between the British and the Germans, and answer the question that follows.
Yet far from merely distrusting foreign cultures, their morale, but also their food […] there is also a secret or open admiration and even envy for other cultures. The Germans are envied by the British for their presumed efficiency and […] their affluence. […] The Germans, on the other hand, are envious of a perceived British cultural sophistication. In their view, the British are ‘naturally’ cultured, which means that in an environment soaked in history and made up of pleasant landscapes scattered with chocolate box cottages they have no choice but to enjoy celebrating life with slightly antiquated but ever so quaint rituals, such as five o’clock tea, sherry parties, and church bazaars.
This prejudice could easily be adjusted by a trip to any average British town centre on a Friday night, but is kept very much alive by the popular form of holiday accommodation in Britain, the bed and breakfast. In the same way, the British idea of German efficiency will undoubtedly survive any major blunders […].
(Emig, 2000, p. 3)
Is there any truth in the picture of the British presented here?
This article is part of a wider collection of articles and activities on the subject of stereotypes. You can view the full collection here.
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Cultural sterotypes are built up over decades, even centuries, of shared views brought to popular attention through writings, media outlets, the arts, cuisine and repeatedly reinforced. I doubt a middle-englander in the 1700s would hold the same 'view' of a German as say someone from WWI. What we say of other nations is unique to us and is a part of our own heritage, as it is for Germany. Cultural stereotyping can also be viewed as a mirror we hold up to our own society and ask what we admire in other cultures, and consequently wish for from our own, as well as some of those less positive traits we do not associate with our own. I have some French friends who couldn't boil water, yet I have a huge admiration and love for French cuisine.
Phoebe Clough - 21 May 2017 9:58am
Cultural sterotypes are built up over decades, even centuries, of shared views brought to popular attention through writings, media outlets, the arts, cuisine and repeatedly reinforced. I doubt a middle-englander in the 1700s would hold the same 'view' of a German as say someone from WWI. What we say of other nations is unique to us and is a part of our own heritage, as it is for Germany. Cultural stereotyping can also be viewed as a mirror we hold up to our own society and ask what we admire in other cultures, and consequently wish for from our own, as well as some of those less positive traits we do not associate with our own. I have some French friends who couldn't boil water, yet I have a huge admiration and love for French cuisine.