thanks 'wing. I don't really get violently teased or anything, people think it's more of a 'friendly chiding' sort of thing, but it just gets really stupid after a while.
Originally Posted by
vashti 
Tiay - I think you are being too sensitive.
HOW DARE YOU!!? **throws giant temper tantrum**
just kidding. I dramatatized it, yes.
Originally Posted by
vashti No one is calling for an all-out ban of German products, and I don't think that the German economy would be crippled in any way even if Jews DID boycott their products since the Jewish population is so small (which by the way, they aren't boycotting, hence the reason you see so many German cars in synagogue parking lots). I am merely talking about a *personal* choice, not a movement, and I do not intend to hold the actions (or inactions) of the WWII generation against their children, whom I agree are largely ashamed of their grandparent's history.
oh, of course it wont be crippled. But your point was that you wouldn't buy a german car, in fact, you wouldn't even buy a british car (mini cooper) that happened to be manufactured in germany. .. how is that not holding the actions of the WWII generation against their children (especially those who happen to be working a factory that makes british cars)?
anyways, it is of course your choice and all, but I don't get that reasoning.
I also don't quite understand why a holocaust survivor would comment on the oddity of jews buying german cars. They were not jews
in germany- they were
german jews. They integrated, they called it their home, those who fled intended to return there afterwards, they knew the difference between 'the nazis' and 'the germans'.
I'd understand it if they just didn't want to be reminded of anything german, fair enough. but to bring the money stuff into it? seems strange to me.
Originally Posted by
vashti About the financial reparations - yes, Germany has paid for what *can* be paid for, but not everything has a price.
this is true. that's why I said "money-wise"
Originally Posted by
vashti If you think I can't imagine how Germans feel, you are SO wrong. In case you didn't know, Jews are STILL targeted for violence in some places, especially Israelis, and I would certainly rather be laughed at for my country's actions than be a target for violence.
no, I don't think you can really know. it isn't rightful violence, right? it's a different thing. The german psyche is messed up because of something their people did, and are supposed to feel shame for it. That's like your grandchildren being made to feel ashamed for Bush. And I don't just mean "oh, yeah, that guy was stupid" I mean having the word bush become a taboo, I mean shame being ingrained in them from day one. I don't think even I can really know because I don't fully associate myself as being german, just a weird mix, so i can kinda distance myself.
Originally Posted by
vashti BTW - my father was adopted as a child, and he went looking for his ancestry as an adult. He was able to trace his mother back to Germany. I think most white Americans have German blood in them.
ah, vashtis a nazi after all, hahaha! (I'm kidding, but this is what happens to me)
Isn't it funny? I'd guess german and irish are two of the most common relations, even. It's nice that he found his mom, can't have been easy.
Originally Posted by
jurupa lilwing, I don't think you need to feel bad for that German kid, because in Germany they basically do the same thing to American students because of what Bush has done.
this is probably true. being called a bush supporter doesn't, however, have quite the same ring as being called a nazi. Unless you want to compare the two, which would probably not be that far off the mark. However, you guys don't get teased for what nixon, or whoever it was.. did. Bush is doing this stuff on "your watch", not before you were born. I'm not saying that makes teasing highschool kids (who probably can't even vote yet?) any more appropriate, but still, it's not the same thing.
Originally Posted by
jurupa As far as the "mini" copycat. That is a stupid comparison. Because that car is more like the Suzuki Swift than the mini. And I don't see anything wrong with anyone buying such a car either.
oh jesus, I just thought it was a weird photo, sorry for sharing it. anyway, wasn't the swift also copying the mini? Anyway, I just wouldn't buy a cheapo car that so clearly rips off a famous design. I'd feel silly