Kimra wrote:>_> It was suggested to me that the cork hat thing might not be an internationally known stereotype. I never really considered that we all have our own mock stereotype for our countries that has nothing to do with what other people imagine.
Try this.
I think it's meant to keep flys away... it doesn't. It just makes you look like a drongo.
Oh. Never heard of that.
Australian stereotypes in Germany ... I think mostly that you're all superrelaxed and go surfing all the time.
blaine wrote:Also, on an unrelated note, to those whom it may concern, I'm from Birmingham, Alabama, which is generally considered to be something of a liberal haven in this state. But all the same, my experiences have been generally that of an outcast, as an atheist. Even working for the most liberal employer in Alabama (University name redacted), I come up against it all the time. Even tonight, I was listening to our relatively new independent radio station, which is known largely for promoting the local bar culture, and was shocked to hear an ad, by "Oh Brother Radio" (which exclusively broadcasts from bars and frequently features the subversive local internet media), for a new Methodist ministry from a large local church. They (the Christians) run all the major businesses in the area, and the most successful service companies feature scriptures on their maintenance trucks. It's like another world down here (or up here, or over here, depending on your own locale).
I feel like I should start complaining about the exemptions the Christian churches get in Germany. Like they can actually fire people for being lesbian or getting divorced and stuff.
Also today I reminded the head of the alternative-currency-service-exchange I'm part of - again - that I did not agree to my e-mail address being used for getting church leaflets (with their events) forwarded. Of course they will just continue doing it >:-| . (Okay so that's about the level of discrimination atheists who are not seeking employment in an area dominated by the church, like kindergartens and hospitals, face in Germany.)
