Bobby vs. Oktoberfest

08/11/2007

Stereotypes are generalisations that are held in society about a group of people or an individual. They can be positive or negative. Stereotypes are taken from the media, historical happenings and word of mouth. A lot of stereotypes are rubbish and untrue. They are sometimes exaggerations and can often be counted as discrimination. They are also influenced by historical factors.

What do young people think?

We are at the UK-German creative media seminar and have interviewed a mix of English and German students. The students have come together from different parts of their respective nations to take part in a media seminar that will not only help with language and media skills but also build new friendships between English and German students.

Paul's views on moustaches

We decided to ask the students what stereotypical views they had of each other. Firstly we asked Paul McClean, 15, from Surrey in England. He said that he had only positive stereotypes ( not that we believe him of course). He said that he thought Germans were very nice and respectful. We then asked what he thinks now he has arrived in Germany and spent a few days with them. He said he thought the same. He did; however, seem to know too many stereotypes of Germans which makes me wonder whether he was telling the truth. He said that, he had heard, Germans were fat had hairy armpits and moustaches. He was then asked what stereotypes are there of English people. He said they drink tea, are posh, eat fry ups and visit Big Ben twice a day.

Snobs or jokers?

Lena, 19, from Karlsruhe, Germany said that she thought the English were snobbish and arrogant. Now she has met them she has had her views changed she says that the English have a good sense of humour and they are not arrogant. She said that other stereotypes of English people are that they drink tea, funny looking policeman and arrogance.

The real difference

Overall we have seen that the British people are too kind to tell the truth and so tell you what they think you want to hear and Germans don’t mind what you think, they will tell you what they believe about the British.