Sunday, July 25, 2010

Germany Today, by Sharon Powell



Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne, Germany

Germany Today
By Sharon Powell, 2010

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1990 was a year of new beginnings for members of German society. East and West Germany were once again reunited after more than 45 years, but not without feeling the pressures of unemployment, poor economy, and corrupt business ethics. It seemed that social practices were largely outdated and inefficient for Germany to compete within International markets. After the reunification of East and West Germany during the 90’s, social issues began to escalate out of control as neo-Nazis hate groups, and attacks on foreign workers were common occurrences.
Although Germany has overcome a series of political difficulties since the days of Hitler, the collapse of the Soviet Union had its impact on the world. United States Military forces stationed in Germany since World War 11 began withdraw efforts in 2004 with hope of boosting a staggering economy for ethnic groups and the 81 million people residing in Germany today.

German Philosophy
The country is largely a conservative based philosophy and directed toward growth of small business and industry. Automobile manufacturers, pharmaceutical, petroleum, clothing, communication technology and consumer good manufactures make up the largest part of Germany’s workforce. Today, Germany remains a leader in European cultures where trade markets and policies promote a freer distribution of capital, labor, and goods among European nations. Significant expansions of Europe’s economic community brought about additional changes during the 90’s, including the establishment of groups such as the European Union, whose primary focus strives to improve business and work ethics abroad. Today more than a dozen countries have joined the European Union in an effort to promote good faith between the people of Germany and the world. Respecting tradition, history, and cultural practices has always been an important part of life for members of German society, and the union allows Europeans to compete peacefully with other super powers from around the world.

Political System
Despite the threat of corrupt government officials, Germany continues to focus their concerns on both the political and social concerns of its people. Germany supports an economy free of state intervention and domination, including the right to protect competitive environments from monopolistic tendencies. In addition to supporting its workers and those struggling through the competitive demands of the economy, Germany’s social forms of politics quite often contribute to wealthy members of society. Most people believe the political system directs the economy and claim the “right to privacy” verses state intervention and control.
The political and legal systems of Germany represent a second democratic system. The “Basic Law” is the constitution of a United Germany, and was established after the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. “Basic Law” provides freedom and stability while defining the principles of a democratic and social federal state while binding them to uphold the judicial systems of the country. The Supreme Court who protects the constitutional rights of society is also bound by the initiatives established within the foundations of “Basic Law.”
Other systems of political operation are referred to as the “Electoral Systems” allowing the opportunity for several political parties to promote initiatives before voting is complete. In comparison to the United States, whose focus remains strictly on a democratic or republican Party, Germany allows the opportunity for several parties to express their beliefs for governing. Most people agree, those wishing to promote their ideas should be given that right. Germany’s political systems are complex, but provide both a federal structure and state representation to maintain the welfare and desires of its people.

Arts & Media
Germany has supported the arts for many years throughout their cultural history while providing various forms of news and entertainment for its people. German newspapers and radio promote an attitude for “independence of the press, and freedom from censorship.” These rights are guaranteed within the structure of “Basic Law.” And unlike years past, where communist regimes controlled the media, Germany now offers more than 36 newspapers providing media awareness to 10 million or more subscribers. Germany supports three public broadcasting corporations, and eleven public television and radio stations employing more than 23,000 people.

Modern life in Germany today is similar to American cultural practices, and are captured within photo galleries depicting German lifestyles. Youths of German society experience an abundance of education and summer programs allowing students time for sports, cultural and social activities. The more popular forms of music tend to express the contemporary social and cultural perspectives experienced in Germany today. Listeners enjoy a wide range of styles including hip-hop, pop, rock and rap which makeup the genres of radio broad-casts. A more refined style of classical music is also noted, as artists combine the beauty of stringed instruments, brass and percussion to compliment the diverse backgrounds of artistic expression.

Resources:

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