evanwalsh/German Stuff.txt

## German Stuff.txt
Question One:
	An East German's reaction would depend on one major factor: age. In either case, having bought into the system would make their reaction negative. However, if the person was old, the anguish would be exponential. Being completely sold out for the system and then having that system disentigrate would bring dissatisfaction like no other. Most of the negativity would stem from the deep hatred of the West and its ways. East Germany and West Germany, separated by a small wall, could not have been farther apart. The wall coming down would not be as hard on the younger socialists as much, though. Even though they will have bought into the socialist philosophy, their longevity as a socialist would be nearly null. Therefore, change would not be all that difficult for them. Although, any age would struggle with the intense change in daily life.

Question Two:
	I think Germany is much better off as a single country. I think it was incredibly good that the wall fell when it did. The USSR hadn't quite dissolved yet, so East Germany could adjust to Westernization without feeling left out in the cold. If East Germany and West Germany had remained divided and then the USSR had ceased to exist, I'm sure that East Germany would have faired a lot worse because it would have been forced to unify without anywhere to turn. There would be problems either way, as unemployment is still terrible in the East and the people aren't truly the same throughout.

Question Three:
	Racism is a universal concept, unfortunately. Germany and the United States are well aware of its dangers. What is incredible is that events in Germany and the United States appear nearly parallel sometimes. Earlier in our country's history, there was rampant segregation and hatred of people of African descent. This is very similar to the hatred during World War II of Jews, Gypsies, and other minorities within Germany. However, in our case, not as much violence happened (but some still happened). Also, the current situation with Mexican immigrants is similar to Germany's problem with various European immigrants. The loss of jobs to foreigners has sparked anger and confusion among many in both countries. I hope that each of the countries can resolve this problem, as xenophobia toward foreigners is despicable.
	Question One:
	An East German's reaction would depend on one major factor: age. In either case, having bought into the system would make their reaction negative. However, if the person was old, the anguish would be exponential. Being completely sold out for the system and then having that system disentigrate would bring dissatisfaction like no other. Most of the negativity would stem from the deep hatred of the West and its ways. East Germany and West Germany, separated by a small wall, could not have been farther apart. The wall coming down would not be as hard on the younger socialists as much, though. Even though they will have bought into the socialist philosophy, their longevity as a socialist would be nearly null. Therefore, change would not be all that difficult for them. Although, any age would struggle with the intense change in daily life.

	Question Two:
	I think Germany is much better off as a single country. I think it was incredibly good that the wall fell when it did. The USSR hadn't quite dissolved yet, so East Germany could adjust to Westernization without feeling left out in the cold. If East Germany and West Germany had remained divided and then the USSR had ceased to exist, I'm sure that East Germany would have faired a lot worse because it would have been forced to unify without anywhere to turn. There would be problems either way, as unemployment is still terrible in the East and the people aren't truly the same throughout.

	Question Three:
	Racism is a universal concept, unfortunately. Germany and the United States are well aware of its dangers. What is incredible is that events in Germany and the United States appear nearly parallel sometimes. Earlier in our country's history, there was rampant segregation and hatred of people of African descent. This is very similar to the hatred during World War II of Jews, Gypsies, and other minorities within Germany. However, in our case, not as much violence happened (but some still happened). Also, the current situation with Mexican immigrants is similar to Germany's problem with various European immigrants. The loss of jobs to foreigners has sparked anger and confusion among many in both countries. I hope that each of the countries can resolve this problem, as xenophobia toward foreigners is despicable.