Germany Survival Bible

Does anyone remember the movie "The Invention of Lying" that came out in 2009 about a world where NO ONE lies? According to the 'Brutally Honest' article about Germans, they might have taken this movie a bit too literally. German culture has absorbed the same means for communication : a don't-beat-around-the-bush ideology where yes means yes, not sure or maybe or kind of or no, but absolutely yes. Unfortunately, we Americans have championed the 'white lie' in order to keep everyone happy by responding to people with 'what they want to hear.' Although polite, Germans want the truth and nothing but the truth. Responding honestly isn't being rude, but staying true to one's nature (something that is rarely agreeable to some.) And just because you've responded with something that may startle others, Germans only want you to explain why you believe something or why you feel a certain way about something, and then move on with your life. They don't want you to invent a lie, they want to hear your opinion, which they value highly.

Now, a true American might call this a negative adaptation of culture, but wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone said what they meant and meant what they said? DUH. We wouldn't waste time grappling with appearances, and get to the point so we can move on with our lives. Germany 1, America 0.