It couldn’t be more confusing with one God giving rules, it turns out there is actually a second God in the game as well.
There is an American God and there is also a German God.
The American God is more superficial, while the German God is not.
I was only talking about the American God on this blog here so far, partly because the American God does have some power and control over the German God.
The German God, though, exists as its own entity, and it has its own very distinct rules of what is cool and what is toxic.
The German God is not just following what the American God says, he has a complete opposite standpoint on many things, and he sticks to it.
Here is the list of what is cool and what is toxic from the German God perspective:
- Webflow is toxic.
- WordPress is cool.
- Open source is cool.
- Paid premium services are toxic.
- Good looking websites are toxic.
- Traditional and old looking websites are cool.
- You work smart and not hard, just getting the hours done is worse than doing work just fast and finish it quickly.
- Buying a real estate only makes sense in some cases, usually paying rent adds up to the same as buying the property in many cases.
- Renting a place is almost the same as buying a place.
- Looks is not important, what matters is if you can deliver results.
I just noticed now that it was the American God that got me down, because of the rules I got from the German God.
There are two ways to build something back up again, which is either American style, which is disliked by the German style, or through German style, which is disliked by the Americans.
That means I have to pick a side first, either the American or the German style, and they are both in conflict standing styles.
Whatever side I will pick, the other side will be against it.
If I choose the American style, the German style is against it and if I pick the German style than the American style is against it.
German style or American style?
German Culture
Germany, often admired for its efficiency and rich history, boasts a culture deeply rooted in tradition, discipline, and precision.
Known for its punctuality, Germans value time as a critical resource.
The phrase “time is money” resonates strongly here, influencing everything from workplace practices to social interactions.
In the professional world, hierarchy and clear structures dominate.
Decision-making is often deliberate and methodical, emphasizing thorough planning over spontaneity.
German communication is typically direct and focused on facts, which can sometimes come across as blunt to outsiders.
The importance of order and rules is evident in daily life.
From meticulously organized recycling systems to strict adherence to traffic regulations, Germans take pride in their systematic approach to life.
Socially, there’s a preference for smaller, close-knit groups of friends over larger, casual networks.
Traditions and festivals, such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets, highlight a strong sense of community and a love for celebrating heritage.
Additionally, Germans have a deep appreciation for nature, reflected in their well-maintained parks and commitment to environmental sustainability.
American Culture
In contrast, American culture thrives on diversity and dynamism.
As a melting pot of ethnicities, traditions, and ideas, the United States embraces innovation, adaptability, and personal freedom.
Individualism is a core value, with an emphasis on self-expression and pursuing personal dreams—often termed the “American Dream.”
American workplaces tend to be less formal than their German counterparts.
A flatter hierarchy and open-door policies encourage collaboration and innovation.
Risk-taking is more accepted, and the culture generally celebrates entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.
Socially, Americans are known for their friendliness and openness.
Casual greetings, small talk, and a mostly positive demeanor are commonplace.
Community events, sporting traditions like the Super Bowl, and holidays such as Thanksgiving exemplify the country’s love for gatherings and celebrations.
Moreover, the United States places a high value on entertainment and consumerism.
From Hollywood to Silicon Valley, American culture significantly influences global trends in media, technology, and fashion.
Comparing German and American Cultures
Communication Styles: Direct vs. Indirect
German communication is straightforward and fact-driven, often prioritizing clarity over politeness.
In contrast, Americans value diplomacy and are more likely to sugarcoat criticism to maintain harmony.
Work Ethic: Structure vs. Flexibility
While Germans prefer a structured and methodical approach to work, Americans embrace flexibility and adaptability.
Risk-taking is a hallmark of American business culture, whereas Germans favor thorough preparation and risk mitigation.
Social Interactions: Reserved vs. Outgoing
Germans tend to form smaller, more intimate social circles, valuing depth over breadth in relationships.
Americans, on the other hand, are generally more outgoing and comfortable with casual acquaintances.
Time Perception: Punctuality vs. Relaxed Approach
Germans are famously punctual, treating time as a valuable commodity. In contrast, Americans often have a more relaxed approach to time, especially in social settings, though they still value productivity in professional contexts.
Cultural Diversity: Homogeneity vs. Multiculturalism
German culture is relatively homogeneous, rooted in shared traditions and values.
Meanwhile, American culture thrives on diversity, with influences from countless ethnic and cultural backgrounds shaping its identity.
Conclusion: Bridging the Cultural Divide
While German and American cultures differ significantly in their values and practices, both have unique strengths.
Understanding these distinctions fosters better communication and collaboration in our increasingly globalized world.
By appreciating the structure and discipline of German culture alongside the dynamism and innovation of American culture, we can learn valuable lessons from both.
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