Our German Exchange Students

[dairyou]

We have 2 german students. One is here visiting us again and he also brought his friend with him this time. He is very fit and his friends is a little chunky.

One nite during a conversation they told us that their view of Americans are fat and lazy. Both my husband and I are not petite, but we're not severely overweight also. Though, his parents are probably skinnier than we are.

During their visit they wonder why we sit and watch so much tv and are not more active outside. Or, why we don't eat outside when the weather is not so hot.

So, my question is...are you guys pretty active in your daily life? Are you outside most of the time? I could stay inside and read or watch some tv and be totally content. Are you guys lazy americans like me?

Deb

PS..I asked my husband after why we don't like to eat outside. He told me, "Deb, we've tried before but you hate it when the flies are all over us and our food". I said, "oh yeah!"

 

[We_Love_Disney]

I try to get outside as often as I can, especially in the summer. However, I can find contentment in a book, computer, or TV and find the day has evaporated.

We do eat outside a few times a week. I spray the OFF yard bomb about 1/2 hour before we sit down to eat, and for the most part, no bugs.

I am not a lazy Amer.............. oops sorry I fell asleep while typing.

 

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

Walking is a way of life in Germany and you don't think twice about it. When I lived there I walked everywhere and was in the best shape of my life.

My German in-laws would needle me to death if they saw me driving to the market just down the street from my house---and they'd be right.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I would tell you about my view of Germans, but then I would be a fat, lazy, RUDE American.

 

[MIGrandma]

I tend to agree with you. At home I don't do a whole lot outside, especially in this ridiculous heat and humidity. I am perfectly content to stay inside and read a good book, watch a good movie, use the computer, take a nap, etc. And we don't eat outdoors that often in the summer at home either. DH grills but most of the time we still eat indoors, away from the bugs.

Now when we're camping up north it's different. I think part of it is because it is so peaceful and quiet up there. We rarely hear anything but the birds and the breeze blowing through the trees. Not like at home when trucks and cars and going down the road all the time. Up there I'll sit outside and read a book, go for a walk, we do some trail (quad) riding, take a drive and go exploring, sit by the campfire in the evening, etc. Lots of outdoor stuff. And we eat outside most of the time up there too, either sitting in our chairs by the campfire or at the picnic table.

 

[EMom]

We have 2 german students. One is here visiting us again and he also brought his friend with him this time. He is very fit and his friends is a little chunky.

One nite during a conversation they told us that their view of Americans are fat and lazy. Both my husband and I are not petite, but we're not severely overweight also. Though, his parents are probably skinnier than we are.

During their visit they wonder why we sit and watch so much tv and are not more active outside. Or, why we don't eat outside when the weather is not so hot.

So, my question is...are you guys pretty active in your daily life? Are you outside most of the time? I could stay inside and read or watch some tv and be totally content. Are you guys lazy americans like me?

Deb

PS..I asked my husband after why we don't like to eat outside. He told me, "Deb, we've tried before but you hate it when the flies are all over us and our food". I said, "oh yeah!"

I don't eat outside because it's 90 degrees and humid here for half the year.

Hmmmm.....What's worse? Being fat and lazy OR insulting the citizens of the country in which you are a guest by saying you see them as fat and lazy? Well, considering it's a stereotype and I'm sure we could all come up with some of those for every nationality....including the Germans...., I'd say it's best to keep your trap shut rather than demonstrate bad manners.

 

[OhMari]

Wonder if they have mosquito's in Germany.
We are pretty active outside, but right now between the mosquito's and the ragweed that is blooming, we are in the house with the air blasting.

 

[dairyou]

i asked them if they had flies in germany. they said, "of course, but we don't mind". These boys are very sweet and kind. They just dont understand why we drive everywhere. Also they don't know why i'm content to stay in my house.

Deb

 

[redlight]

Americans on average do tend to drive more and walk less than other nationalities. We're also fatter than most.

 

[emer95]

Hmm...This is an interesting thing to ponder. I wouldn't consider myself lazy, because I run 5 miles every day (sometimes I skip a day). But when I'm not running, I do tend to sit a lot. Most evenings we are in the house with the a/c on because it's more comfortable. We only eat outside when we're at gatherings or picnics with friends/family. When it's just us, we never do.
I am a little ashamed when I drive my daughter to her friend's house and it's just down a few streets. I could certainly walk her.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

ignore...

 

[pogo791]

I'd say that they are just giving voice to a commonly held perception of Americans: we are fat, lazy and tend to drive even when we could hoof it.

Regarding being fat: when you're young and fit, you tend to wonder why others can't be like you. And it's true that Americans as a group are expanding around the middle. But your two young exchange students might want to take another look around Berlin, Hamburg or Frankfurt, or wherever they are from: a rising proportion of Germans (and other Europeans) are overweight or (*gasp!*) obese. Matter of fact, I recall seeing quite a few "pleasingly plump" Hausfraus and Herrs when I was clattering around Germany back during the 1960s and 1970s.

Lazy? As compared to whom? Americans work longer weeks than the Germans (who, to be fair, work longer weeks than do most other Europeans). I would say we are also more active socially than a great many other countries. Yes, we have a lot of energy-saving devices, but that's because we can afford to. But go to any German store, and you'll see more and more of the same devices being offered to every Hans, Karl and Birgitta - who are buying them up like crazy.

Tend to drive a lot? Yes, we have a car (or two) in every garage, and for most of us, going to the store means having to hop into a car and driving. That's the way our cities are built. German cities are more compact, and they have good public transportation. Going to the store usually means just walking a few blocks, or taking a tram. Different urban structure, different means of transport. No big deal.

Oh, by the way, why did your German exchange students decide to come to the U.S. of A. for their year? Could it be that we as a fat, lazy and car-oriented society have something to offer them? (Sorry, couldn't help that ). I'm sure your guests will learn something while they are here, and you will learn something from them!

 

[NHdisneylover]

well the view from an American living in Germany (if anyone wants it):

I think the teens were expressing a view which is pretty commonly held about Americans in much of Germany and Europe (and maybe the world). I can't tell from the OP if they were being rude or just trying to have an honest conversation about differences they see between the cultures.

I will assume by "lazy" they meant not physically active (not hours spent working). Germans of all ages are a heck of a lot more physically active than Americans. People walk and bike everywhere. Most adults are still part of one or more sports clubs and play weekly (or more)--sports are not attached to the schools here; they are see as a life long thing not a child's activity. It is a VERY different view than what you see in the US. We have run into a few times lately group outings which involve visiting Americans. The visitors generally are huffing and puffing and complaining about the long walk when it has not crossed anyone else's mind that the walk is even exercise (I guess we have been here long enough to not notice--but I am making an effort to anticipate now). Yes German cities are set up better for walking (the public transit here is one of my very favourite things about Germany) --no doubt about it, but still Germans will walk distances that Americans would typically never consider for an errand without batting an eye (yes, even Germans who drive company cars with gas paid for by the company--even when on personal business).

Fat? Well, I think Germany is the fattest population in Europe, but it is still MUCH thinner than anywhere i have lived in the US (and I grew up in Boulder, Colorado which is probably one of the fittest towns in the USA).

Fresh Air? Oh gracious most Germans are obsessed with this They are huge on being outside as much as possible in nice weather. Even in COLD winter weather (say 10 below like we had a snap of this winter) everyone throws all of their windows WIDE open for at least ten minutes each day to let in the fresh air They have all the kids open the windows wide at school on breaks for the same reason (even in winter). So I can see where our cooped up in doors all day thing would freak many Germans out

A/C is virtually unheard of. I have never seen it in a home. The grocery stores and big department stores have it but even some of the McDOna'd's do not (thought I would eat crappy food while waiting for a freind's train so I could cool off in our heat wave we had this summer but turned out McDs did not have air either). This means staying inside when it is hot doesn't really make sense (and it means DDs allergies are just miserable during certain times of the year).

Oh, and i have not met one single person named Hans, Karl or Brigita.

Personally, I love my country and I love the country I am living in (much like I can love both Key Lime Pie and Chocolate soufle). I also know that both have their problems (and our rising weight IS a problem in the US). I don't think others noticing those problems (or even just differences) and commenting on them means they do not like anything about the country or is always insulting. I just think it means sometimes it is easier to see things when you are on the outside (gosh, don't we have that happen all the time with problems posted here on the DIS wanting an outsider's perspective).

 

[rparmfamily]

Having lived overseas as well (Italy) it sounds as though they are curious about what they see as cultural differences. We routinely went out to dinner with Italian friends when we lived in Sicily and they always had all sorts of questions, and sometimes, thru translation, the questions came off perhaps a little rude too. I doubt they were being rude.

I think the "lazy" has to do with the sitting around, which most Americans DO a lot of. I don't think it has to do with our work ethic.

We drive a lot because most of America is not set up for walking.

Eating outside or being outside, I know when we were in FL people did eat outside but during the middle of the day it was so hot, no one was outside if they didn't have to be. Cooler in Germany, I'd imagine.

I have to say, in Hawaii they are very active in terms of walking places, riding bikes, at the park or beach, taking the bus, they are outside everyday doing something. They also eat outside all the time, nearly all homes have lanai's that are enjoyed. BUT we also get cool tradewind breezes nearly year round, which helps keep the flies at bay.

In Italy, it seemed that pretty much anyone over the age of 30 was overweight. I saw lots of obese people. They aren't super active, though the young are. The do walk everywhere and spend a lot of time outdoors at cafe's, relaxing or walking at the square/center of town, etc.


PS-- I want to live in Germany!!

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

I work out but it has to be in the gym for air conditioning oh well lol.
But at night when its cooler I sit by the pool or at the hot tub and read for an hour or so

 

[NHdisneylover]

Having lived overseas as well (Italy) it sounds as though they are curious about what they see as cultural differences. We routinely went out to dinner with Italian friends when we lived in Sicily and they always had all sorts of questions, and sometimes, thru translation, the questions came off perhaps a little rude too. I doubt they were being rude.

This. Also, the German culture is such that they are very direct and honest in conversation. Often what WE perceive as rude is just normal and honest to them. I can easily see a teen not picking up on that huge cultural difference (and it is a big difference--we were taken aback by so many comments from people when we first moved here before we learned that is just how it is here; very direct and very honest) and inadvertently seeming rude to someone in the US when what they are saying would not seem rude at all in Germany. If you noticed things you perceived as negative in the German culture and brought it up and asked why it would not be perceived as rude here--just an honest conversation.

PS-- I want to live in Germany!!

It is a pretty spectacular place to be--especially Heidelberg

 

[Disneyadore]

well the view from an American living in Germany (if anyone wants it):

I think the teens were expressing a view which is pretty commonly held about Americans in much of Germany and Europe (and maybe the world). I can't tell from the OP if they were being rude or just trying to have an honest conversation about differences they see between the cultures.

I will assume by "lazy" they meant not physically active (not hours spent working). Germans of all ages are a heck of a lot more physically active than Americans. People walk and bike everywhere. Most adults are still part of one or more sports clubs and play weekly (or more)--sports are not attached to the schools here; they are see as a life long thing not a child's activity. It is a VERY different view than what you see in the US. We have run into a few times lately group outings which involve visiting Americans. The visitors generally are huffing and puffing and complaining about the long walk when it has not crossed anyone else's mind that the walk is even exercise (I guess we have been here long enough to not notice--but I am making an effort to anticipate now). Yes German cities are set up better for walking (the public transit here is one of my very favourite things about Germany) --no doubt about it, but still Germans will walk distances that Americans would typically never consider for an errand without batting an eye (yes, even Germans who drive company cars with gas paid for by the company--even when on personal business).

Fat? Well, I think Germany is the fattest population in Europe, but it is still MUCH thinner than anywhere i have lived in the US (and I grew up in Boulder, Colorado which is probably one of the fittest towns in the USA).

Fresh Air? Oh gracious most Germans are obsessed with this They are huge on being outside as much as possible in nice weather. Even in COLD winter weather (say 10 below like we had a snap of this winter) everyone throws all of their windows WIDE open for at least ten minutes each day to let in the fresh air They have all the kids open the windows wide at school on breaks for the same reason (even in winter). So I can see where our cooped up in doors all day thing would freak many Germans out

A/C is virtually unheard of. I have never seen it in a home. The grocery stores and big department stores have it but even some of the McDOna'd's do not (thought I would eat crappy food while waiting for a freind's train so I could cool off in our heat wave we had this summer but turned out McDs did not have air either). This means staying inside when it is hot doesn't really make sense (and it means DDs allergies are just miserable during certain times of the year).

Oh, and i have not met one single person named Hans, Karl or Brigita.

Personally, I love my country and I love the country I am living in (much like I can love both Key Lime Pie and Chocolate soufle). I also know that both have their problems (and our rising weight IS a problem in the US). I don't think others noticing those problems (or even just differences) and commenting on them means they do not like anything about the country or is always insulting. I just think it means sometimes it is easier to see things when you are on the outside (gosh, don't we have that happen all the time with problems posted here on the DIS wanting an outsider's perspective).

I fully agree with you.
Germans and Dutch people are really into walking,biking and Nordic walking.
I can tell when spring has arrived. You can see tons of people strolling and enjoying the new nature.

Fresh air? We always have our windows open even when its freezing 30 below zero. Fresh air means a lot less germs and a lot less people with asthma or other allergy's.

"lazy" as in working has nothing to do with the view other countries have from the US. Lazy is going to the MAC with your car when its next to you.

We were stunned when we visited the US and wanted to go to the restaurant right in front of our hotel.We just had to cross the road. Yeah right. There was no way we could cross it by foot so we had to take the car and drive 5 miles ,turn and go back.

 

[Acklander]

I think the difference is when your town was built. In places like New York City, which was built before cars were common, it's a lot easier to walk from place to place and stuff is closer together so you can just walk over to the park.
If you live in the suburbs, which were built after cars were common, everything is much too spread out, lack of sidewalks and so on, so it's not as easy (or safe).
When I lived in a town that was built back in the horse in buggy day, I didn't even own a car. I walked to work, picked up groceries on my way home, walked to the beach and so on.
When I moved to an area that is more of a suburban area, I drive everywhere.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I think the difference is when your town was built. In places like New York City, which was built before cars were common, it's a lot easier to walk from place to place and stuff is closer together so you can just walk over to the park.
If you live in the suburbs, which were built after cars were common, everything is much too spread out, lack of sidewalks and so on, so it's not as easy (or safe).
When I lived in a town that was built back in the horse in buggy day, I didn't even own a car. I walked to work, picked up groceries on my way home, walked to the beach and so on.
When I moved to an area that is more of a suburban area, I drive everywhere.

Oh absolutely that is part of it. We used to live in rural new Hampshire--you really couldn't get anywhere without a car.
However, there is also a big cultural component in there somewhere. For example, even in NYC it is common to see preschoolers up to age 5 or so in strollers. Head to any zoo or amusement park in the US and you will see tons and tons of kids who are steady on their feet in strollers. You almost never see that here. Once a kid is steady enough on their feet to be considered a preschooler rather than a toddler they almost always walk (or ride a pedal free bike or a scooter). You do see 3-4 year olds standing on the little boards on a younger sibling's stroller now and again but that is the most.
You also do not see things like motorized scooters to borrow in stores. The concept that someone would use one when they do not NEED it to get around all the time just because it would make it more comfortable to shop is just not in the mentality here. In fact, the "Wal Mart scooters" are a constant source of questions and curiosity from Germans who have visited the states. They cannot wrap their minds around why we do that any more than Americans can wrap their minds around wearing socks with sandals

 

[NHdisneylover]

I was SOOOOO thinking about this thread yesterday.
My kids and I were on the US military base as guests of some friends. we have been there a handful of times since February--mostly for girl scout events as DD is a scout (and I will be leader again next year) and have walked around this base. There are big sidewalks, crosswalks, and the traffic moves slowly and tends to watch for the many kids out and about.

We parked (in my friend's car) in front of the elementary school to go to Vacation Bible School in the morning. We had nothing more than jackets and a small tote bag each to carry in.

When VBS ended at noon we DROVE over to the Burger King parking lot (this takes about 3 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace). I noticed several other people doing the same.

Across the street from BK is a large playground. On the opposite side of the play structure is a big field area where an outdoor event was happening. We again DROVE from BK's lot over to the playground lot on the side by the field (again, this was at most a 3 minute walk). Again, several other people did the same thing.

My friend has no physical conditions that keep her from walking. We were not carrying stuff. There were no babies, no strollers, etc. She just drove because, well that is what you do I even asked her when we left why we didn't just leave the car in one place and walk and she said she didn't really know, she's just used to driving everywhere.
DIFFERENT MENTAILITY (oh, and we ate indoors at BK along with everyone else--the outdoor seating was empty).