Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryzorian
I suspect most people gloss over certain parts of thier history. I recall when I was stationed in Germany not to discuss WW2 much and never do anything related to Nazi's....they really don't like talking about that.
Everyone wants to see their country as the big herioc type, not the bad guy. Heck, nobody thinks they are the bad guy in any war, they all think they are the good guy. .
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Regarding Germany. According to my German friends, the German education system is relentless in making the Nazi's out as the bad guys. German nationalism of any degree is usually frowned upon because of this. (One of the only few exceptions being made is when supporting sports teams like when the German football team does well).
The reason why you are probably told not to mention the war in Germany is because you aren't going to make any friends by bringing it up for other reasons. It is generally a serious issue in Germany so discussing it lightly and saying obnoxious things like "If it weren't for us Americans, Hitler would still be in power", even if in a context in which it might be well intended, will definitely have the potential to rub people up the wrong way.