[HPFGU-OTChatter] Central Texas Germans

[Dinah ***]

Well, I'm pretty sure they look a bit like what they
look like here. Actually I've seen some on TV and
heard enough detailed desciption to have a rather good
impression of what they look like. 

I'm just really touchy about the subject because my
parent's are from Czech heritage (my Dad was one of
those that had to leave their home after WWII was
over) and while a certain amount of cliches surely
apply I don't like the fact that it seems to be
reduced to that.

And "beer hall" songs, if you don't necessarily take
the Oktoberfest but more rural festivals of a similar
kind, are not strictly speaking cheesy. Some have a
long standing tradition. It's just that 
1. the halls are filled with people who are mostly 65
and up
2. it degenerates more and more to "how much beer can
you drink in one evening and still remember the
lyrics" (that's if there are younger ones)

It's a bit like all those "Western Clubs" that exists
here. Germans dressing up in Cowboy boots and complete
regalia including chaps and hats and mixing it in weid
combination with Native American jewelery and being
sure they are doing something typically American. Or
saying "Go to McDonald's, experience American
culture". Okay, that last example was a stretch, but
that's how many people think. I'm not comfortable with
the thought of being reduced to that. I didn't mean to
bash your festivals, it's just that many people get a
pictures stuck in their heads that is completely
untrue. I really don't like that.

Dinah

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"Bludger - nasty little buggers" - Oliver Wood, PS the movie

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