Current Event 7/14/12

Joachim Gauck, who has now been in office for over one hundred days, has just appointed his new spokeswoman, Ferdos Forudastan. Ever since former President Christian Wulff resigned in a cloud of scandal that encompassed his spokesman, it has become obvious that the entire history of a spokesperson plays some role in politics.
Forudastan, who will begin her work in September, is half Iranian and half German and attended primary and secondary school in Switzerland and Iran, respectively. After studying political science and law, she became an author and a journalist, acting as a correspondent during the reunification of Germany. She has become well-known for her positions and work regarding immigration, and has penned books on the subject.
It is a clever move of Gauck to appoint this woman as a close aide, because of the current debates on immigration and his relatively paltry experience with the issue. Debates on Islam in Germany will likely also be altered by Forudastan's new position; the new spokeswoman is also married to a German politician, Michael Vesper.
It will be interesting to see how Forudastan's background impacts both Gauck's policies and the public opinion of the new president. In the issue of immigration especially, the new appointment will doubtless make changes in Gauck's plan for the nation and their lack of skilled workers.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16094381,00.html

Current Event 7/7/12

A recent study shows that the German nation is gaining weight. 53% of women and 67% of men are overweight, leading to more concerns about a rise in obesity rates. Many people in stressful job or home situations overeat or eat unhealthy foods, and these situations are increasing in Germany. Some levels of obesity require medical treatment, and scientists are concerned about the possible medical repercussions of the trend, such as depression and cardiovascular disease. Children's obesity is also increasing; it is speculated that this is caused by too many hamburgers and french fries, and not enough time exercising.
Parents are encouraged to help their children eat healthy foods, and support groups and weight loss surgery are also cures for the fat specter.
Denmark, however, has instituted a fat tax for foods with high amounts of saturated fat, with some success. This may be an effective method for Germany, but German diets and lifestyles, especially those of lower economic classes, will need to change also to slim the nation down.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16073793,00.html

Current Event 6/30/12

As the Euro 2012 Championship draws to a close, some are seeing a relationship between soccer and increase in German nationalism. Although Germany was defeated 2-1 in the semifinals by Italy, German soccer euphoria is echoed in the attitudes of Germans across the country, taking pride in their nationality. Some say that this display is not appropriate, but it is undeniable that since the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany, patriotism has become a part of German life.
This patriotism is controversial. Some sociologists say nationalism has potentially dangerous repercussions, while others accept it as a part of developing German culture. Many do not know what to make of the new attitudes, while others see them as the beginning of a toxic new German attitude.
Only time will tell, but personally I agree with Diethelm Blecking, a sports scholar, who observes that the unification that soccer promotes and the passion for the sport is a subconscious response to youth searching for a constant and a community in the uncertainty of today's affairs. German culture identifies with soccer and with community, and from the way things are going now, the unified attitude of Germany might have more positive consequences than negative.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16046796,00.html

Current Event 6/23/12

In a curiously ironic reflection of the current state of the eurozone, Germany defeated Greece Friday to advance to the semifinals of EURO 2012. This soccer championship is the fourteenth event to take place, and this year is hosted by Poland and the Ukraine. 26 matches are played. This year 16 countries have competed.
As of Friday, Germany defeated Greece after also defeating Denmark. Through a series of brilliant scores and "changes in the lineup," Germany was able to defeat Greece 4-2. Several new players, such as Marco Reus, were ecstatic to have both started and won their first EURO 2012 match.
Germany will face either Italy or England in the semifinals, which will be held on June 28.
Soccer--or football--mania is a huge cultural phenomenon in both Germany and Europe, and something I hope to experience in my exchange. European unity when it comes to soccer is also fascinating, as there is competition as well as cooperation regarding the sport. No doubt Germany hopes to win the championship, but I think that national and international ties are also strengthened by the EURO 2012 competition.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16045313,00.html

Current Event 6/16/12

Five years ago, German legislation was passed that required foreign spouses of Germans to take a language test before they could move with their family. Many people find this difficult, especially if they are older and the language is harder to learn. The A1 test, the most basic test level and the standard required for entrance into Germany, deals with numbers and forms, things essential to living in German society.
However, German lessons are in even higher demand because of the new standards of testing. About 40,000 people are enrolling annually, and because of their different backgrounds different kinds of testing have been arranged for those who are barely literate or simply are not interested in attending a German "class."
The controversy over the language testing is that it prevents families from being together and is "restrictive." However, others argue that since the EU Commission allows countries to make laws regarding language learning for immigrants, language testing is good. It is still a violation of human rights to refuse a visa to someone who cannot pass the language test.
The final answer of the German government is that language testing is still mandatory, but there are "exceptions," such as the case of a woman with cancer who needed to be in Germany with her husband. Immigrants are advised, though, to learn the language as quickly as possible.
Germany's emphasis on language learning is a good thing because it encourages Germany to be a German-speaking country, but can have some complications because it discourages immigration.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16019672,00.html

Familie, Continued

On Sunday, again, I checked my email. It seems like everything exciting in my life comes to my inbox, from Germany. This time it was the greatest prize of all: a letter from my host family!! I learned that I have a host brother and sister, as well as a mother and father. They sent pictures of their house, and one of their "Sonnenuntergänge."

Hurray! 

Current Event 6/10/12

German shop owners and workers have seen an increase in sales recently as a result of the upcoming Euro 2012 soccer championships. Additional sales are expected to reach 2 billion Euro, with new techniques, products and "bonus schemes." One worker has observed that candy is the biggest seller in Germany in order to collect "points." To win a collector's item cap, for instance, 11 jars of Nutella need to be bought to qualify. Breweries are also joining the scheme, and although sometimes the "point" system is overpriced, this does not discourage people from buying things they can collect. The system has actually drawn new customers to certain stores, especially those with children who long for the collectible items one can win.
The fervor of Germany regarding the sport of soccer (football) is evident through this article, as is the newfound success of the German shopping industry. This new sales tactic will do more to bolster the economy, but more importantly the German people has a strong cultural identity and emotional attachment to the sport, which will only increase as the Euro cup draws closer and more merchandise is sold.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16002021,00.html