Expectations about Cultural Differences between Germany and US

Images from the Berlin Carnival (above).

During the first days of my stay in Berlin, I witnessed what possibly answered and silenced my doubt prior to arriving to Berlin. “Are you sure Germany is multicultural?” Nothing better could of slapped me in the face like the multicultural soaking of the extravagant parade I went to Sunday, May 31, 2009 on the streets of Berlin. I expected Germany to have strict censorship and stronger regulations. To my surprise, product placement isn’t allowed; however, I find it shocking that public drinking is. Then how would floats covered in ads be of any difference from product placement?

Is Germany liberal or conservative? Back in the United States, I thought Germany would be more conservative and as the first days pass by, I am aware of the differences in cultures, particularly the Turkish influence in the neighborhood I am staying at and how advertisements differ depending on positioning. For instance, I came across ads that have more than one language and when paying attention to where these ads where placed, I realize sometimes the neighborhood is more populated and the prices are more affordable, whereas more metropolitan areas rely more on visuals and references to “cool and fashionable” must-haves.

The positioning of ads (impressions of messages) is virtually everywhere, (no surprise). The fusion of advertisements in a multicultural parade demonstrated the origins of an accepting culture.
http://ideas.repec.org/p/wpa/wuwple/0302002.html
http://www.adverblog.com/archives/001535.htm
-multiculturalism, product placement, product positioning, event integration