Bambi and Booze

           Despite the prevalence of Italian mafia blockbusters and rowdy St. Patrick’s Day bashes, Germany’s influences on the U.S. culture are conceivably the most embedded of any foreign nation. Many aspects of German culture have become so deeply entwined with American tradition, that their German roots are often forgotten.

Perhaps the best example of Germany’s impact could lie in the American fixation on athletic dominance. Even the federal government has taken the motto “Sound Mind in a Sound Body” to heart, investing millions each year into teams that travel across the globe to represent the Stars and Stripes. Maybe if it weren’t for the first Turner societies in Wisconsin, the United States might not be topping the medal counts in the Olympics or sending soccer teams to FIFA World Cup Finals.   

In addition, Hollywood is by far the world’s top entertainment industry garnering 75% of the total film revenues (despite the fact that the Indian film industry, Bollywood, produces twice as many films). Would this be possible without the Grimm Brothers or Bambi? More importantly, what would have become of Julie Andrews had she not been cast as that mischievous nun? “Ich weiß nicht.”

Finally, when one thinks of Germany, he or she will inevitably picture overflowing pints of “bier” and simmering “bratwursts.” It is my opinion that the German “pretzel” is America’s most dearly loved snack food. Finally, can Italy boast a “Spaghetti-mobile” speeding down Route 66? “Nein.”