Disneyfication: Oktoberfest

In Munich, where everyone knows Germany for – Oktoberfest, is what I identified as it is being Disneyfied.

Theming

Oktoberfest Restaurants

Restaurants are themed to Oktoberfest, and claim to sell ‘Oktoberfest’ food and beer. However, the beer produced for Oktoberfest alone, is only distributed in Munich, at the actually Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Tours

Travel agents have also noticed that large amounts of tourists are visiting Germany because of Oktoberfest. Using that advantage, they themed their tours as Oktoberfest, hoping to increase visitorship and revenue. However, having looked at the itinerary, it is merely a beer tasting tour in Europe. Having it themed with the word Oktoberfest just promotes the image of the tour.

Oktoberfest Games

Games are also themed according to Oktoberfest. For instance, they have beer serving games, to setting up the Oktoberfest event, and even violent games like Oktoberfest Runescape. Teenagers are now playing Oktoberfest games just like any ordinary games, and sooner or later, they will either get sick of it or get addicted to it. And in both ways, Oktoberfest would be remembered as “boring” or as an addicting game. It will no longer be remembered as Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese’s marriage.

The same goes for other themed activities. Even though theming uses the same name of Oktoberfest, the end products are still new forms of products, and the whole idea is to maximise profits. This would obviously lead to a loss of authenticity in the festival because producers will shape the products to meet their demands.

Dedifferentiation of consumption

“Whether you believe it or not, but a lot of visitors actually don't visit the Oktoberfest for the beer but for the many, many other attractions like the amusement rides, the roller coasters and their countless varieties.” (About the Oktoberfest, 2010) It is getting more and more unclear of what the real Oktoberfest product consist of. In the past, there were no amusement rides, but the rides are actually the pull-factors for some to attend Oktoberfest.

Pictures of the rides:

Looking at these photos, it is difficult to tell that it is actually Oktoberfest.

Also, Oktoberfest is being so commercialised that they now use horses as advertising platforms. The horses were once used to transport people.

These changes made to Oktoberfest create a blurring line between its true form and its current form. 

Merchandising

From costumes to jewelleries to the mugs used in Oktoberfest, they can be purchased from the festival or the Oktoberfest website.

Yes, these merchandise does reminds people about Oktoberfest when they are back home. However, this means that Oktoberfest is not unique to Germany anymore since the merchandise can be found everywhere in the world, in somebody’s house.

Emotional labour

Beer girls have to show their cleavage and put on a demure look even though they are caring heavy mugs. There is also a need to portray that they are sexy. This might bring about psychological conflict between what the girls have to portray and also what they really want to be. They might even be discriminated for who they are faking due to work.

Using Oktoberfest as example, I will analyse the changes as a whole that have been brought about by the growth of tourism in the country. With the huge amount of demand, supply tries to meet the needs of the demand and shape the product to best suit the demand. Henceforth, amusement parks, retail, games, and merchandise are all being integrated into Oktoberfest. This integration modifies the entire festival, making it into another festival that has eroding distinctive taste.

  
Yes, it has brought about “approximately 830 Millions EURO during the 16 days are spent - 324 Mio EURO on the festival grounds for food, drinks and entertainment, 205 Mio EUR0 for shopping in and around Munich, public transport and restaurants as well as about 301 Mio EURO for hotel accomodation. About 12,000 people are employed to enable the world´s largest and most popular festival.” (Munich tourist office, 2010)

However, with such large influx of tourists, we question: is Oktoberfest Staged? How authentic is it? How much of it has been modified to suit tourists demands? Are the Germans welcoming tourists? Will they still welcome tourists in the future? There is always a limit to everything. According to Doxey’s Irridex, it will eventually lead to the stage of antagonism, where irritation is openly displayed by the Germans towards the tourists.

Has tourism been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions?

In my opinion, tourism has been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions to a small extent.

Globalisation is the culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions.

This is because globalisation has sped up technological advancements, improved communication tools, and brought about better transportation at a rapid speed.

Humans are greedy by nature, and love to seek new things. With such constant changes in the world, there is no time for clear evaluation of the pros and cons of sticking with the old or carrying on with the new.

Globalization has blinded the world as what people care about is to keep up with the world. All these will eventually further commodify cultures and traditions.

On the other hand, tourism also plays a part in commodifying cultures and traditions. This is as tourists get to meet the hosts in their destinations on a face-to-face circumstance. It is also human’s nature to want to be as one with the world. This face-to-face interaction allows sharing of cultures and adaptations of each other’s lifestyles. That will also commodify cultures and traditions.

However, without globalization, tourism would not be such a huge market. A smaller market of tourism will not be as impactful in commodifying cultures and traditions. Therefore, as globalization has significantly boosted the tourism industry, globalisation is the culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions.  

Globalization has blinded the world as what people care about is to keep up with the world. It is only through contentment and appreciation of what we have in the present times, can we prevent such homogenization of cultures and traditions from happening.  

Bibliography:

About the Oktoberfest. (2010). Retrieved 10 December, 2010, from The Oktoberfest Website: http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/article/About+the+Oktoberfest/About+the+Oktoberfest/Fun+Rides,+Carousels+and+Shows/821/

Munich tourist office. (2010). Interesting Facts and Figures. Retrieved 10 December, 2010, from http://www.muenchen.de/Rathaus/tourist_office/oktobfest/126031/oktoberfest_Zahlen_Statistiken.html

What Germany is known for

Beer

When Germany is mentioned, the first things that pops up is of course, beer.

The legal drinking age for beer in Germany is 16, whereas in other parts of the world for instance America, the drinking age is at 21. Even though Germans are allowed to consume beer at 16, they are only allowed to consume other forms of alcohol at the ripe age of 18.

Beer in Germany is the most popular drink just like wine in France. It holds a high place of importance. 

How important? Well, here are a few examples. Traditionally, darker beers act as a replacement of food for monks during fasting period. Back in the days of war, beer was placed second in the military’s checklist right after ammunition! That, is how important beer is.

Germany is known to brew some of the most popular beers in the world and has one of the highest consumption of beer, it’s no wonder the Germans are related to beer.

Car

Another thing that Germany is well known for are cars. The luxurious continental care BMW is actually a German brand. BMW stands for Bavaria Motor Works and is known as a luxurious and high end car all over the world. Being known for luxury, the car is used as taxis in Germany, simply because it is local and a lot more affordable. The Germans are famous for their cars because of their excellence in engineering. The engineering is meticulously put together making the drive a driving experience that leaves an impression.

Food

Food and feastings! The thought that many may first have at the sound of Germany. With an extensive range of sausages, it’s no denying why they are so popular. The most popular few include, Bratwurts,  Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Frankfurter and of course, Blood Sausage – Blutwurst.

Here is Brief overview of the sausages.

 

Bratwurts: a combination of minced beef and pork that are formed with a skin of pig’s intestine.

 

Nürnberger Rostbratwurst:a smaller version of Bratwurts that is flavoured with majoram.

 

Frankfurter: it is originally made from veal, but some are made from pork or other types of meat. This sausage is flavoured with salt, paprika, and pepper.

 

Blutwurst: blood sausage as can be inferred from the name, is made from congealed pig or cow blood. Meat, oatmeal, fat or bread is stuffed into the sausage as well.

 

Environmentally friendly

Germans are known to be “green”.  Germany is home to many green architectures or buildings and also to some of the largest organic food market. Having the support of the government, many are encouraged to have solar panels placed on top of the roof. Being self sufficient in providing their own home with electricity plays a big part in cutting cost and lessening the damage done to the environment compared to if they were use electricity generating companies. These are just some of the many examples, and with this, it is no wonder Germany is considered green.

Castles

Castles! The regal majestic architecture of the castles found in Germany has given it the reputation. There are a variations of castles that can be found there. One of the most famous, King Ludwig’s castle. A fairytale vibe castle that was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s castle. 

Another castle would be the Mespelbrunn Castle. Located in northern Bavaria in a small, hidden picturesque valley, Mespelbrunn is said to have overcome a thirty year war. This castle is one of the very few castles that still retained the original form of the castle, the mighty tower.

With the large amount of castles around Germany, it is hard to point out the most outstanding ones. However, besides the 2 popular castles mentioned, here are a few more. The Wartburg Castle, Schwerin Castle, Heidelberg Castle, Colditz Castle and the Celle Castle.

Bibliography:

guide-to-castles-of-europe. (2010). A trip to a German castles is like stepping back in time to when Kings, Princes and Emperors ruled the land. Retrieved december 10, 2010, from guide-to-castles-of-europe.com: http://www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com/german-castles.html

McGavin, J. (2010). 12 German Sausages, From Brilliant to Wonderful. Retrieved december 10, 2010, from about.com: http://germanfood.about.com/od/regionalspecialties/tp/12Germansausages.htm

Sullivan, C. R. (2010, june 18). Things German is Famous for. Retrieved december 10, 2010, from ezinearticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?Things-Germany-is-Famous-For&id=4509670

Indigenous People in Germany

There are 3 indigenous that I have identified in Germany, and they are Roma, Sinta and Sorbs or Sorbian.

Roma are people that are associated as gypsies. It is a taboo to talk about Sinta and Roma in Europe, and one can be arrested if they spread rumours. There are limited information about them on the internet and different sources states different details, and henceforth, they are not credible.

However, the existence of Sinta and Roma in Germany might also be hidden from the Germans, which is why they are not allowed to say anything about it. With the unknown situation, Sorbs would be the only indigenous group that I would discuss.

What are indigenous people? “Indigenous peoples are people, communities, and nations who claim a historical continuity and cultural affinity with societies endemic to their original territories that developed prior to exposure to the larger connected civilization associated with Western culture. These societies therefore consider themselves distinct from societies of the majority culture/s that have contested their cultural sovereignty and self-determination.” (Answers.com, 2010)

Just an introduction about the Sorbs, and if you are interested to visit them:





The Sorbs reside in Lusatia in Germany. In the past, they were being forced to erase their identity and be assimilated. However, situations improved and not only can Sorbs keep their own identity, the Germans are also helping them revive their culture. This is done so by “preserving Sorbian national culture in the genres of music, dance, literature and the fine arts, and Sorbian and German amateur artists have worked closely together to develop this culture.”


Competitions and workshops are also organized by Institute for Sorbian National Culture and the Sorbian National Ensemble to promote their culture. Such workshops and competitions include Sorbs’ song and dance, and amateur theatrical productions. A showcase of customs and traditions of 
Sorbian ethnic regions by village communities also allows revival of the culture.


Sorbs speak in Sorbian and attend school that teaches them German as well. 

One of their traditional costumes

Their religions are Protestants, Catholics or Lutherans.
Some of the ceremonies include Easter, "walking of the borders," which is a ritual that is done when a village makes a procession around the newly planted fields, they sing hymns to it.



Bibliography:

Sorbs - Religion and Expressive Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved 8 December, 2010, from Countries and Their Cultures: http://www.everyculture.com/Europe/Sorbs-Religion-and-Expressive-Culture.html

Symmank, C. (n.d.). Retrieved 8 December, 2010, from Culture of the Sorbs (Wends): http://www.symmank.de/eng/sorbsculture.htm#nie

German Festivals

There are a total of 15 public holidays in Germany that is related to festivals.

Holidays	Dates
New Year’s Day	Jan 1
Epiphany	Jan 6
Good Friday	Mar/Apr
Easter Sunday	Mar/Apr
Easter Monday	Mar/Apr
Labor Day	May 1
Ascension Day	May/Jun
Whitsun Sunday	May/Jun
Whitsun Monday	May/Jun
Corpus Christi	May/June
Assumption Day	Aug 15
Day of German Unity	Oct 3
All Saints Day	Nov 1
Christmas Day	Dec 25
Christmas Day 2	Dec 26

Ein frohes neues Jahr! (New Year’s Eve)

Celebrated with fireworks, ringing of church bells with a bottle of champagne together with family gatherings is what defines New Year’s Eve in Germany.

The dropping of molten lead into cold water are said to forecast the future.

Symbol/Shape	Meaning
Ring	Someone is about to be engaged
Airplane/ship	The family would take a trip overseas
Heart	Love
Pig/four-leafed clover	Good luck
Crosses/broken rings	Death or separation

Karneval

Also known as the 5^th season, it starts on the 11^th day of the 11^th month at 11 minutes after 11. This is where people will line up in streets in funny costumes, drinking, cheering and trying to catch some of the goodies thrown from the floats as can be seen in the video below.

Oktoberfest

The day that Price Ludwig married Princess Therese, a large party was held outside the city gates. Ever since then, Germans repeated this festival as they enjoyed it very much. It is celebrated in 16 days beginning on a Saturday in September and ending on the first Sunday in October from then till now. Over 7 million people a year are attracted to the Oktoberfest.

In this festival, men and women dress in traditional local costumes to add in to the festive mood.  

There’d be a parade with military band playing, and horses will pull the beer ladies as well as Munich’s mayor to start of the festival. Then, the beer tents are erected the beer starts flowing, and numerous Oktoberfest music is played.

In this festival, you will notice many horses used for police patrols because the number of tourists and visitors will not allow any vehicle to pass through. To add on, amusement rides are also included to elevate the excitement and thrill.

Bibliography:

Berstein, E. (2004). Holidays, Customs, Leisure. In E. Berstein, Culture and Customs of Germany (pp. 31-41). Greenwood Publishing.

Leisure Activities and Trends in Germany

Generally, short leisure times are spent at home, watching television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers and magazines, and also visiting friends and relatives. These activities are common in all over the world.

Leisure time in Germany is one of the most, compare to the world. This is as they have one of the most annual leaves. It includes “minimum of 25 days of paid holiday per year by law, plus public and religious holidays and yearly increments, which can take some up to 35 days a year.” Which such an advantage, Germans’ demand for tourism naturally arises.

Tourism

Due to the large numbers of cultural aspects and museums, Germany’s “domestic tourism increased by 4% in 2007, with domestic business tourism growing faster than domestic leisure tourism.”

One of the other factors leading to domestic tourism is due to the economy status in the recent years. It has not been at its best. With the new discovery of a mountain hike and cycling holiday, Germans seek new cultural destinations, especially when the cycling tracks are along all major German rivers.

Sports

During leisure time, 45% of Germans participate in active sports.

Popularity measured by sports club members

1. Football
2. Tennis
3. Shooting
4. Light atheletics
5. Handball
6. Horse riding
7. Fishing
8. Table tennis

Roller-blading, mountain biking, pilates, yoga and swimming are popular sports as well. It is just that these various sports club are not so established as the ones mentioned above, and therefore they are not in the list. 

From a survey done by Destatis, we can see that German’s favourite sport is football. This is very much influenced by the German women’s team as they became world champions.

For younger people, winter sports such as snow-boarding, ice-skating and skiing are their favourites.

Social events

It is common to be invited to your neighbour’s or friend’s house for a BBQ session as most of the houses have a garden. This is where people can meet up to talk about anything under the sun. During summer time, beer gardens are a great place for socialising as the sun is not too scorching. Germans who cannot afford to dine there can also bring their own food there.

Beer Garden

Others

Germany is a country with ageing population. One of the rising trends is gardening, and this activity is generally associated with the old. This is as they are generally more appreciative of the nature, and it takes up more time that only they can afford. Also, with even more leisure time they have, to watch their garden bloom is a huge satisfaction.

Of course, there are also those that play computer games during their leisure time, as this is inevitable due to globalization.

Bibliography:

Euromonitor International. (2010). Consumer Lifestyle - Germany. Retrieved 8 December, 2010, from Passport GMID: http://ezproxy.tp.edu.sg:2077/Portal/Magazines/Topic.aspx

German Educational System

In order to understand the factors that influence German's traditions and cultures, one has to understand their educational level as well as educational system.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in Germany, and children of ages 3 to 6 can attend it. Depending on the school, whether it is private or not, the fees range from 100 to 700 Euros per month. Other than that, school fees for later studies and textbooks are all paid for. Exercise books, files and other stationeries are the only expenses that parents have to worry about.

The main reason why Germans are all so educated is because money is no longer sacrificing the people’s educational level. In Asian countries, the poor get poorer, and the rich get richer. This is usually due to the high school fees that the poor cannot afford. With the free educational system, everyone has a fair chance to study, and put a stop to the poverty cycle.

In a German’s lifetime, it is a low that one has to study at least 9 years of school.

Elementary School - Grundschule (Grades 1 to 4)                                                  

This is where children of ages starting at 6 attends grade 1. This is similar to Singapore’s primary school system.

When they reach grade 4, there is a streaming program that will separate students according to their academic ability.  There are a total of 3 different schools – Gymnasium, Realschule and Hauptschule.

Those with the highest academic abilities will attend school Gymnasium, from grades 5 – 13. After which, they are certified with a cert that is equivalent to the standards of Advanced level in Singapore’s context. Thereafter students will study subjects that are of diploma level which will prepare them for universities.  

Realschule similar to gymnasium, but students attend school from grades 5 – 10. For students who perform well in Realschule can switch to a Gymnasium upon graduation. In Realschule, students experience part-time vocational school that is somewhat like a polytechnic style in Singapore.

Hauptschule is the general school for slower paced students, where subjects taught are the same, but involves more vocational studies. Students also have a chance to experience apprenticeship training till the age of 18, which takes one year more than other schools.

University-level schools

There are three different types, classical University, Technical University (Technische Hochschulen) and University for those pursuing in arts and music.

Classical University offers education that lasts for 6 and a half years, that provides education that is not specialized in any area.

Technische Hochschulen offers education that is more specialized in certain industries and courses lasts for 4 and a half years.

Extra curriculum activities

There are very few extra curriculum activities in the German schools. This is because they feel that students should go home for lunch. However, they emphasize on physical education.

Physical Education

Different sports and games are taught in different sessions. Students are also briefed about the rules, and different strategies in wining. This is unlike Singapore’s system, where teachers in secondary school stress so much on training students to pass the NAPFA (National Physical Fitness Award) test. This makes physical education in secondary schools meaningless and boring as students never get to learn new skills.

Additionally, the students get to play different kinds of sports in different seasons. With more variety of sports they are exposed to, the more skills they enquire. These sports skills are proven to shape one’s personality into a more responsibility a better team player.

Girl in mud pants

The weather is not an excuse to skip sports lessons. Waterproof and insulated mud pants are worn on rainy days, sledge and skiing equipments are brought to school on days where the floor is covered with snow. Sometimes, ice-skating sessions can be done as well.

Overall, I think that education has allowed students to know more about their own culture, and also know more about other people’s culture. With this knowledge, they either would grow to like their own culture more, or prefer the popular culture. An educated person would usually be extremely against their culture, or extremely towards it. 

Bibliography:

Brand, G. (2010). German School System. Retrieved 8 December, 2010, from How To Germany: http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/germanschools.html

Euromonitor International. (2010). Western Europe - World ranking: Adult literacy (%). Retrieved 7 December, 2010, from Passport GMID: http://ezproxy.tp.edu.sg:2077/Portal/Magazines/GeographiesRegion.aspx

German beer

Pilsner

Malted barely is lightly kilned and added with soft water, a simple recipe. However, the rest would require a skilled brewer to create and produce this fine pilsner. The simple list of ingredients combine together to produce a clean and simple beer.

Pilsner being simple is adored by many for many reasons, one of which being that it can be easily paired wih food. Roasted meat, chicken, and fish, even  with spicy Indian or Mexican dishes as well as most Asian cuisines. However, it is slightly over powering for delicate flavours like raw fish.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier 

 A popular brand that has a wide range of beers. From the commonly found Dark and Light wheat beer to Non-Alcoholic wheat beer. This range includes Crystal Wheat beer, Korbinian, Original, Original Non-Alcoholic, Pilsner, Tradition, Festbier, and Vitus.

The Bavarians are known to be one of the best brewers whom produce wheat beer like no other. A  special yeast used to ferment the blend of malted barley and wheat which gives the beer a unique flavour and aroma together with a slightly cloudy look.

Spaten Oktoberfest

The base malt used are good two row Pilsner, with up to 20% Vienna or Munich malt. This beer has a sweet, brown style. Interestly, Spaten Oktoberfest is only available from august till October or November and is traditionally brewed in March.

The style of the beer has led many to associate it with festivals, then which the first thought of food pairing would be with meaty dishes. However, having mellow flavours allows it to be versatile, creamy cheeses, pasta with white sauces, seafood, and anything else that does not overwhelm the beer.

Einbecker Ur-Bock 

 This beer has a dark, malty style that is roasted malt, brewed according to the German purity law, dated 1516.

During the Leten period, this beer style was traditionally used as “liquid bread” for fasting monks. The darker beers provided more nutrients as compared to the pale lager and taking it in certainly was not in any way difficult.

Paulaner Salvator Doppel Bock

This is a darker and richer bock, however, being a lager still, the big flavours do not overpower.  Full bodied with toffee, caramel, brown sugar, and a hint of raisins giving it a clean, crisp and sweet flavour.  

This full flavour and slightly fruity beer goes well with roasted or barbequed meat, and to top it off, a plate of strong cheese.

Ayinger Bräu-Hell - Helles or Maibock 

A light coloured beer that is popular in Baveri. The Ayinger brew is hoppier than the usual bocks, it is a golden-yellow, bottom-fermented beer with a light malt fragrance.

The “Helles”, which means “light coloured”  is one of the most popular the everyday beer in Bavaria.The Helles, along side with wheat beer is the most important stype or style of beer in the south of Bavaria.

Goose Island Summertime - Kölsch

Kölsch entry is actually brewed in Chicago.

“Kölsch”  from the German name for Cologne – Köln. It is actually brewed in Chicago and not germany itself. However, the best Kölsch style beers are brewed in Cologne but they rarely make it past the German border. 

This brew is unsual and unique as it is brewed with ale yeast but it is aged like lager. With a light fruity aroma, this brew is best enjoyed sip by sip in summer. Ideal to serve with salads or fish, anything light. And as for cheese, buffalo mozzarella with be the top pick.

Bibliography:

Ayinger. (2010). Brau - Hell. Retrieved december 10, 2010, from about.com: http://beer.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=beer&cdn=food&tm=1701&f=11&su=p284.9.336.ip_p830.4.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http://en.ayinger-bier.de/%3Fpid%3D114%26par%3D82

beertravelers. (2007). Beer First, Food second. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from beertravelers.com: http://www.beertravelers.com/lists/pairings.html

Eddings, B. (2010). Oktoberfest / Maerzen Profile. Retrieved december 10, 2010, from about.com: http://beer.about.com/od/oktoberfestmaerzen/p/OktoberfestProf.htm

Eddings, B. (2010). Pilsner Profile. Retrieved december 8, 2010, from about.com: http://beer.about.com/od/lager/p/PilsnerStyle.htm

Eddings, B. (2010). Top 10 Beers - Get to Know German Beer. Retrieved December 8, 2010, from About.com: http://beer.about.com/od/germanbeers/tp/10GermanBeers.htm

Eddings, B. (2010). Wheat Beer Profile. Retrieved december 8, 2010, from about.com: http://beer.about.com/od/wheatbeer/p/wheatbeer.htm

Goose Island. (2009). Retrieved December 10, 2010, from gooseisland.com: http://beer.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=beer&cdn=food&tm=9541&f=11&su=p284.9.336.ip_p830.4.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http://www.gooseisland.com/beers/pop-ups/7_summertime.html

littlecroth. (2010, April 22). Einbecker’s Ur-Bock Dunkel. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from http://talesofales.wordpress.com/2010/04/22/einbeckers-ur-bock-dunkel/