This one is going to be way too short to answer this question: Who am I?
What is most importantly, answering this question, is the fact that I as an individual hardly ever experienced any kind of racism, while there was lots of it all over the world, and lately this is the case in Germany more than ever.
Thilo Sarrazin, being a former politician and the author of the highly controversial book "Deutschland schafft sich ab", caused a very dirty and totally not sophisticated debate about the whole Muslim community, not only in Germany.
This is once more a reason that makes me hesitate to say I am German. I love this country and I love German values, but i definitely cannot say that I'm German. I sometimes do not even know if I'm a welcome part of this society. Identity by BiHabik is a photography made by me and my comment below describes more or less the situation.
One thing I need to add is that even my sister who experienced lots and lots more of racism says she's German. That makes me speechless! I mean, why can't I just easily say that I am. The point is that I cannot say I'm Turkish either because there's plenty of things that just wouldn't match. And I know how stupid that sounds...
It's tricky...
Samstag, 29. Januar 2011
Montag, 24. Januar 2011
One major Influence
Like for many others, music takes quite some space in my life. Listening to it on any occasion, I became more and more aware of what I was listening to. I used to listen to really everything that sounded nice.
But no more! I realized how much crap there was, especially Gangsta Rap what I listened to mostly. Luckily, I found out what Hip Hop was truely about: Express themselves to reach and nurture their peers! Conscious Rap, the direct opposite of Gangsta Rap, is so much more fulfilling!
Artists like Jurassic 5, Arrested Development and Blackalicious rap about how and why they as a society they moved from "we used to tell the girls we love'em" to "now we're callin them hoes" ("End up like This" by Jurassic 5) or answering the question "the rhyme is not laced with Gangsta touch?" with "Simpy because I don't live that way" ("Shallow Day" by Blackalicious).
In the end it's not just music, it's more than that! It reflects one's view on life so we should all choose wisely!
How about you? What do you listen to? And have you always been listening to that music? I would love to know about that!
But no more! I realized how much crap there was, especially Gangsta Rap what I listened to mostly. Luckily, I found out what Hip Hop was truely about: Express themselves to reach and nurture their peers! Conscious Rap, the direct opposite of Gangsta Rap, is so much more fulfilling!
Artists like Jurassic 5, Arrested Development and Blackalicious rap about how and why they as a society they moved from "we used to tell the girls we love'em" to "now we're callin them hoes" ("End up like This" by Jurassic 5) or answering the question "the rhyme is not laced with Gangsta touch?" with "Simpy because I don't live that way" ("Shallow Day" by Blackalicious).
In the end it's not just music, it's more than that! It reflects one's view on life so we should all choose wisely!
How about you? What do you listen to? And have you always been listening to that music? I would love to know about that!
Montag, 17. Januar 2011
Japan Festival 2011
As I mentioned in my first blog-entry, I am fascinated with Japanese culture. It all started through videogames and anime during my childhood, but at the same time I was extremely frightened by many of their customs. I was able to accept that as a simple cultural difference after all.
Before you start reading I wanted to apologize for the poor quality of the images. I'm still in the learning process and my camera is pretty bad regarding poor lighting. Thanks for your understanding.
This past weekend (the 15th and 16th of January) the Japan Festival was held in Berlin.
Honestly, I needed a friend to convince to go there together. I just wanted to see if it is like the Comic Fiesta 2010 (which is only one example of the many conventions Danny Choo reported on).
One thing you should know is that in Germany such events are mainly about the culture as a whole. That means on the one hand that you a huge variety of things to be seen, but unfortunately pretty short and not too detailed either.
The first thing that raised my interest was Go. It is actually pretty easy to learn if you have an experienced someone explaining the rules. But most importantly it's a really great game! I played it with my friend with whom I play chess occasionally and we both were thankful for something new.
They used the game Go to present some furniture as well. This seems to be how the game is played traditionally. It looks pretty cool and knowing that it is comfortable too, I wonder why we refuse to give it a try.
Artists exhibiting their pieces of work. It definitely looks great, but being a student makes it hard to reward the artists for their work. In the end it's just too expensive I guess. Still great!
Of course, there were Katana as well. I never been too fascinated with them, but being nearly able to lay my hands on one of them was pretty amazing nonetheless. I thought the golden one was a bit over the top though.
There was a Shorinji Kempo perfomance as well. Looked pretty interesting but not always that credible... I'm pretty sure it would look different in a really dangerous situation.
The same lovely lady once more:
Probably a bit more known due to the show Yamato are the Taiko Drums. Really impressive while being a bit scary as well... It's just overwhelming to see that happen with only about 8 drums. You should definitely go to one of these shows.
If you're not familiar with Japanese fashion: relax, I guess no one really is. I mean, look at these: a pair of glasses with a wooden frame??? Seriously? I love it!
And finally: Cosplayers! I mean, what would such an event be without them? As I pointed out earlier, these images are pretty bad actually (high ISO numbers and stuff...), but I hope you'll still like them.
Auron from Final Fantasy X
L and Near from Death Note
Unfortunately, I only know Sasuke and Naruto from Naruto, Cloud from Final Fantasy VII and Sailor Mars from Sailor Moon. I'm not too fond of animes after all.
There were a few shops exhibiting their products as well. Everythign from Figma or Nendoroid, Anime-DVDs, Mangas or Cosplay-outfits.
It was a pretty interesting event and amazing to see this subculture live. I've seen many Cosplayer's work like Jessica Nigri's for example or many others on Danny Choo's website.
I was a bit dissapointed though. There were hardly any Japanese distributors representatives. Be it in sales, shows or Cosplay. It just did not feel authentic.
I'm looking forward to next year's Japan festival though. How about you? Would you attend such events? Or don't you have something like this around you?
Well then, sayonara!
Before you start reading I wanted to apologize for the poor quality of the images. I'm still in the learning process and my camera is pretty bad regarding poor lighting. Thanks for your understanding.
This past weekend (the 15th and 16th of January) the Japan Festival was held in Berlin.
Honestly, I needed a friend to convince to go there together. I just wanted to see if it is like the Comic Fiesta 2010 (which is only one example of the many conventions Danny Choo reported on).
One thing you should know is that in Germany such events are mainly about the culture as a whole. That means on the one hand that you a huge variety of things to be seen, but unfortunately pretty short and not too detailed either.
The first thing that raised my interest was Go. It is actually pretty easy to learn if you have an experienced someone explaining the rules. But most importantly it's a really great game! I played it with my friend with whom I play chess occasionally and we both were thankful for something new.
They used the game Go to present some furniture as well. This seems to be how the game is played traditionally. It looks pretty cool and knowing that it is comfortable too, I wonder why we refuse to give it a try.
Artists exhibiting their pieces of work. It definitely looks great, but being a student makes it hard to reward the artists for their work. In the end it's just too expensive I guess. Still great!
Of course, there were Katana as well. I never been too fascinated with them, but being nearly able to lay my hands on one of them was pretty amazing nonetheless. I thought the golden one was a bit over the top though.
There was a Shorinji Kempo perfomance as well. Looked pretty interesting but not always that credible... I'm pretty sure it would look different in a really dangerous situation.
The same lovely lady once more:
Probably a bit more known due to the show Yamato are the Taiko Drums. Really impressive while being a bit scary as well... It's just overwhelming to see that happen with only about 8 drums. You should definitely go to one of these shows.
If you're not familiar with Japanese fashion: relax, I guess no one really is. I mean, look at these: a pair of glasses with a wooden frame??? Seriously? I love it!
And finally: Cosplayers! I mean, what would such an event be without them? As I pointed out earlier, these images are pretty bad actually (high ISO numbers and stuff...), but I hope you'll still like them.
Auron from Final Fantasy X
L and Near from Death Note
Unfortunately, I only know Sasuke and Naruto from Naruto, Cloud from Final Fantasy VII and Sailor Mars from Sailor Moon. I'm not too fond of animes after all.
There were a few shops exhibiting their products as well. Everythign from Figma or Nendoroid, Anime-DVDs, Mangas or Cosplay-outfits.
It was a pretty interesting event and amazing to see this subculture live. I've seen many Cosplayer's work like Jessica Nigri's for example or many others on Danny Choo's website.
I was a bit dissapointed though. There were hardly any Japanese distributors representatives. Be it in sales, shows or Cosplay. It just did not feel authentic.
I'm looking forward to next year's Japan festival though. How about you? Would you attend such events? Or don't you have something like this around you?
Well then, sayonara!
Donnerstag, 13. Januar 2011
Pretty Funny Actually
This is a little test I found on someone's deviantArt profile (check out mine: bihabik.deviantart.com) which is all about one's degree of being multiculturally influenced.
I would love to know your results as well (even though I have not followers for the moment)!
British
[x] You drink a lot of tea.
[ ] You know what a brolly is.
[ ] Deal or No Deal has taken over your life.
[ ] You wanted Ben to win X Factor.
[ ] You use the word “bugger”or the phrase “bloody hell.”
[x] Fish and chips are yummy.
[ ] You can eat a Full English Breakfast.
[ ] You dislike emos almost as much as you dislike chavs.
[x] Its football…not soccer.
Total: 3
Australian
[ ] You wear flip flops all year.
[ ] You call flipflops thongs not flip flops.
[ ] You love a backyard barbie.
[ ] You know a barbie is not a doll.
[ ] You love the beach.
[x] Sometimes you swear without realizing.
[ ] You’re a sports fanatic. (For AFL, maybe.)
[ ] You are tanned. Sort of
[ ] You’re a bit of a bogan.
[ ] You have an Australian something
Total: 1
Italian
[ ] The Sopranos is a great show.
[ ] Your last name ends in a vowel.
[x] Your grandmother makes her own sauces.
[ ] You know how a real meatball tastes.
[ ] You know Italian songs.
[x] You have dark hair and dark eye color.
[ ] You speak some Italian.
[ ] You are under 5’10”.
[ ] You know what an Italian horn is
[ ] Spaghetti is the best food in the world!
[x] You talk with your hands.
Total: 3
Spanish
[ ] You say member instead of Remember.
[ ] You speak Spanish or some.
[ ] You like tacos.
[ ] YoU TyPe lIkE ThIs On Da CoMpUtEr.
[ ] You are dark skinned.
[ ] You know what a Puta is.
[x] You talk fast occasionally.
[ ] You have/had highlights or have dyed your hair.
[ ] You know what platanos are.
Total: 1
Russian
[ ] You say villian as: Vee-lon.
[ ] You are short tempered.
[x] You know of somebody named Natasha.
[ ] You get cold easily.
[x] Rain is fun for you.
[ ] You get into contests all the time.
[ ] You can easily make do with the cold weather.
Total: 2
Irish
[ ] You think beer is the best.
[ ] You have a bad temper.
[ ] Your last name starts with a Mc, Murph, O’, Fitz or ends with a ley, on, un, an, in, ry, ly, y.
[ ] You have blue or green eyes.
[x] You like the color green.
[ ] You have been to a St. Patty’s day party.
[ ] You have a family member from Ireland.
[ ] You have/had blonde hair.
[ ] You have/had freckles.
[ ] Your family get togethers always include drinking and singing.
Total: 1
African American
[x] You say nigga/nukka casually.
[ ] You have nappy hair.
[x] You like rap.
[ ] You know how to shoot a gun.
[x] You think President George Walker Bush is racist.
[x] You like chicken.
[x] You like watermelon.
[ ] You can dance.
[ ] You can ‘sing’ gospel.
Total: 5
Asian
[ ] You have slanty/small eyes.
[x] You like rice a lot.
[x] You are good at maths.
[ ] You have played the piano.
[x] You have family from Asia.
[x] You laugh sometimes covering your mouth.
[ ] Most people think you’re chinese.
[ ] You call hurricanes typhoons.
[ ] You go to Baulko.
Total: 4
German
[] You like bread.
[x] You think German Chocolate is good.
[x] You Speak some German.
[x] You know what Schnitzel is.
[x] You hate it when stupid people call you a Nazi.
[x] You went to Pre-school.
[ ] You’re over 5’2.
Total: 5
Canadian
[ ] You like/play/played hockey.
[ ] You love beer.
[ ] You say eh.
[ ] You know what poutine is.
[x] You speak some french.
[ ] You love Tim Horton’s.
[ ] At one point you lived in a farm house.
[ ] You watch/watched Degrassi.
Total: 1
American
[ ] You hate foreigners.
[ ] You hate non - Christians
[x] You’re lazy.
[x] You hate abortion.
[ ] But love em for the death penalty.
[ ] You don’t read.
[ ] You shop at walmart.
[x] You think this survey is rather biased.
Total: 3
Turkish
[ ] You have 3 or more siblings and an endless number of cousins.
[ ] You start to grow a beard with 13 years.
[x] You are offered more and more food even though you're about to blow.
[x] You're asked 3 or 4 times if you want to eat or drink something.
[x] It causes awkward moments when you don't eat meat.
[x] Your Dad buys fruits in crates not in bags.
[x] Your Granny always complains that your Mother does not take care of you.
[x] You're always told to concentrate on school when you are doing anything fun.
Total: 6
I would love to know your results as well (even though I have not followers for the moment)!
British
[x] You drink a lot of tea.
[ ] You know what a brolly is.
[ ] Deal or No Deal has taken over your life.
[ ] You wanted Ben to win X Factor.
[ ] You use the word “bugger”or the phrase “bloody hell.”
[x] Fish and chips are yummy.
[ ] You can eat a Full English Breakfast.
[ ] You dislike emos almost as much as you dislike chavs.
[x] Its football…not soccer.
Total: 3
Australian
[ ] You wear flip flops all year.
[ ] You call flipflops thongs not flip flops.
[ ] You love a backyard barbie.
[ ] You know a barbie is not a doll.
[ ] You love the beach.
[x] Sometimes you swear without realizing.
[ ] You’re a sports fanatic. (For AFL, maybe.)
[ ] You are tanned. Sort of
[ ] You’re a bit of a bogan.
[ ] You have an Australian something
Total: 1
Italian
[ ] The Sopranos is a great show.
[ ] Your last name ends in a vowel.
[x] Your grandmother makes her own sauces.
[ ] You know how a real meatball tastes.
[ ] You know Italian songs.
[x] You have dark hair and dark eye color.
[ ] You speak some Italian.
[ ] You are under 5’10”.
[ ] You know what an Italian horn is
[ ] Spaghetti is the best food in the world!
[x] You talk with your hands.
Total: 3
Spanish
[ ] You say member instead of Remember.
[ ] You speak Spanish or some.
[ ] You like tacos.
[ ] YoU TyPe lIkE ThIs On Da CoMpUtEr.
[ ] You are dark skinned.
[ ] You know what a Puta is.
[x] You talk fast occasionally.
[ ] You have/had highlights or have dyed your hair.
[ ] You know what platanos are.
Total: 1
Russian
[ ] You say villian as: Vee-lon.
[ ] You are short tempered.
[x] You know of somebody named Natasha.
[ ] You get cold easily.
[x] Rain is fun for you.
[ ] You get into contests all the time.
[ ] You can easily make do with the cold weather.
Total: 2
Irish
[ ] You think beer is the best.
[ ] You have a bad temper.
[ ] Your last name starts with a Mc, Murph, O’, Fitz or ends with a ley, on, un, an, in, ry, ly, y.
[ ] You have blue or green eyes.
[x] You like the color green.
[ ] You have been to a St. Patty’s day party.
[ ] You have a family member from Ireland.
[ ] You have/had blonde hair.
[ ] You have/had freckles.
[ ] Your family get togethers always include drinking and singing.
Total: 1
African American
[x] You say nigga/nukka casually.
[ ] You have nappy hair.
[x] You like rap.
[ ] You know how to shoot a gun.
[x] You think President George Walker Bush is racist.
[x] You like chicken.
[x] You like watermelon.
[ ] You can dance.
[ ] You can ‘sing’ gospel.
Total: 5
Asian
[ ] You have slanty/small eyes.
[x] You like rice a lot.
[x] You are good at maths.
[ ] You have played the piano.
[x] You have family from Asia.
[x] You laugh sometimes covering your mouth.
[ ] Most people think you’re chinese.
[ ] You call hurricanes typhoons.
[ ] You go to Baulko.
Total: 4
German
[] You like bread.
[x] You think German Chocolate is good.
[x] You Speak some German.
[x] You know what Schnitzel is.
[x] You hate it when stupid people call you a Nazi.
[x] You went to Pre-school.
[ ] You’re over 5’2.
Total: 5
Canadian
[ ] You like/play/played hockey.
[ ] You love beer.
[ ] You say eh.
[ ] You know what poutine is.
[x] You speak some french.
[ ] You love Tim Horton’s.
[ ] At one point you lived in a farm house.
[ ] You watch/watched Degrassi.
Total: 1
American
[ ] You hate foreigners.
[ ] You hate non - Christians
[x] You’re lazy.
[x] You hate abortion.
[ ] But love em for the death penalty.
[ ] You don’t read.
[ ] You shop at walmart.
[x] You think this survey is rather biased.
Total: 3
Turkish
[ ] You have 3 or more siblings and an endless number of cousins.
[ ] You start to grow a beard with 13 years.
[x] You are offered more and more food even though you're about to blow.
[x] You're asked 3 or 4 times if you want to eat or drink something.
[x] It causes awkward moments when you don't eat meat.
[x] Your Dad buys fruits in crates not in bags.
[x] Your Granny always complains that your Mother does not take care of you.
[x] You're always told to concentrate on school when you are doing anything fun.
Total: 6
Montag, 10. Januar 2011
First of all: Welcome to my humble blog!
All I want to ask you is a bit of patience. Thanks for that!
Anyways, this blog is going to be about my experiences about the issues that you automatically grow in when you are born into a Turkish family and living in Germany, longing for so many places on earth, like the crazy subculture of Japan or the great diversity of the American society!
While doing so, I will go into the stuff I appreciate about my situation as well, since there is not only stuff to grump about.
Once again, thank you very much! And have a great day, wherever you are!
All I want to ask you is a bit of patience. Thanks for that!
Anyways, this blog is going to be about my experiences about the issues that you automatically grow in when you are born into a Turkish family and living in Germany, longing for so many places on earth, like the crazy subculture of Japan or the great diversity of the American society!
While doing so, I will go into the stuff I appreciate about my situation as well, since there is not only stuff to grump about.
Once again, thank you very much! And have a great day, wherever you are!
Abonnieren
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