OFF TOPIC: Bouncing bomb

[Eckhart]

A typical case of cultural misunderstanding...

Having spent many years in Germany, France, USA and Canada, I have to tell you that humor is very much cultural specific. What makes a Frenchman laugh doesn't necessary work with an American.

Watching those videos first degree style gets you angry when you are on the opposite side. The German one uses a more vulgar style but that is apparently done on purpose (grotesque racist remarks creating a "2nd degree" effect).

As a general rule, refrain from this type of humor if you are not sure the other side understands the message.

Examples of cultural misunderstandings:

-1- an Englishman forms a ring with his index and thumb, meaning "great job"....the same seen by a Bavarian means " @sshole"

-2- shrugging your shoulders for a German means " I don't know", for a Frenchman it means " f... off"

-3- the American girl who starts a conversation in a crowded Metro wagon just wants to reestablish a social distance between her and the person she is facing; the French guy who is facing her thinks that she wants to get laid...

etc. etc.

Conclusion: don't try cultural specific humor in an international forum...another way to start a war and to be obliged to fight it out over the Cliffs of Dover

Cheers,

Eckhart