Cultural Identity through Interactions

This week in Germany involved a bit of traveling.  At the beginning of the week, we went to Amsterdam and toured around the city.  At the same time, while we got to enjoy the culture of the Netherlands, we were also pampered since Amsterdam did not have any language barriers.  Literally, we spoke English the entire time; when we were requesting something, asking questions, or just in general conversation. I absolutely enjoyed the culture surrounding the area especially during our time on our boat tour where we learned the history of Amsterdam and how it came to be.  During this time, we became more aware about the culture of the Netherlands.  However, when we are in Germany, I still actively try to speak German (even though it is very poor) and I still ask questions about their culture.  I can not say the same for everyone else.  When we have class, during our breaks, I tend to spend some time with the German students.  Especially Nick.... we have a secret handshake.  During this time, we talk to each other about our cultures, I ask them questions and they ask me questions.  Most of the time, the questions tend to be focused around denying or confirming stereotypes.  One example of a stereotypical American question they asked is if Americans are over eaters.  I confirmed that I am an over water, but I can not say the same thing for everyone else.  One thing I found interesting was that Germans do not have a national sense of pride when it comes to their country mainly due to the passed.  However, they do share a common identity, especially when they are watching the World Cup or when Germany is playing a sport.  The more and more I engage with the German students, especially when it comes to confirming when I speak German or when we talk about each other's culture, the more I feel like I am engaging in intercultural communication competence.  This is mainly do to me becoming more able to communicate with others as I continue to develop my skills.  From my engagement with the other students, I feel that I have developed a intercultural friendship and started to develop an intergroup attitude with my new found friends.
Now looking more into how I interact with others, especially between the German students and the American students, I still feel like I am constructing an identity.  I personally feel like I am enjoying my time more with the German students main because they have a general interest in talk with me for the cultural opportunity.  While looking at who I am, I tend to be more associated with the majority, but ideologically different from some.  I tend to challenge the status quo, I am aware of how some people are treated, especially based on inequality, but I do not think I tend to integrate majority identity in a larger social context.  Many of my identity has become more developed over time, whether based on my interactions with others or through my readings and education.  One of the unique things about me is that I moved a lot and from that opportunity, I've been able to adapt in many situations, both culturally and socially.  While German and the Netherlands were different experiences mostly due to language, I was still experiencing new opportunities.  One thing culturally I did was go to the Van Gogh Museum, where I got to see some of my favorite pieces of art by Van Gogh (who is my favorite artist).  Experiencing art, music, food, and conversations are many ways to help develop ones cultural identity.  The overall experience and interaction with others helps individual develop this sense of identity.

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