Entry #7 My German-ness

Brian Gerker
Media Portfolio Entry #7
11-11-07

Stereotypes, Germans

1.Representation of the Item:

This item introduces a stereotype of a German person, and since I am German through my ancestry, I would like to tackle the stereotyping of this photo.



2. Intro and Why: This photo identifies a German person. As you may notice he is wearing the attire you would typically see a German or Irish person wearing in a movie or on television, or even in a picture like the one displayed. The man also appears a bit overweight giving him sluggish and rugged features. The main accessory as to the man’s inventory is the light brown mug of ale in his right hand. As many may know the German people are renowned for being able to consume large quantities of alcohol and practically love beer.
I chose this item because for the sake of the topic, I just Google searched stereotypes and this picture showed up. Since I have a German background, I thought this image was both relevant to me and our class material.

3.Analysis: This item clearly shows the stereotype of a typical German person. The German likes to wear the clothing that represents the wilderness, with it’s green and browns. Also the mug of beer is the huge kicker. As all people know, Germans and the Irish like to drink beer. That is what is shown everywhere that depicts Germans. They are always at a bar or an occasional event like Octoberfest. At least that is what is always seen on television, the movies, newspapers, magazines, and even talked about on the radio. This item also relates to the art work known as “The Faces of Cleveland.” This art work took the Cleveland Indians mascot Chief Wahoo and depicted the stereotypes of many types of people, like the Italian had a chef hat on, a Japanese man had squinted eyes, and a Mexican face wore a sombrero. There was also an Irish face shown as a drunk with very ragged features and the same hat that the German man has on in the photo I found. Being German by ancestry, I don’t get why Germans are seen as drinking all the time. I am German and I’m not any different than Joe or Bob or Jack, or even Mary in many ways. This picture shows many stereotypes that are absolutely relevant to class discussions.

4. Response: I personally do not really understand stereotypes given to people. How an Asian is smarter than everyone or an Italian is a great chef or that a French person is a good artist, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. All people are better in some areas and worse in others, it doesn’t matter who your ancestors are or what color of skin you have as to that matter. I love to cook but I’m not Italian. I do well in school but I’m not Asian. But of course, I’m German so I love beer.