Sex, Beer, and Bratwurst!

OK, so the title pretty much describes what I think the average person believes to be the German stereotype (plus some lederhosen!). Maybe all of that beer and the fact that eating a bratwurst mimics certain sexual behaviors, could explain why sex is now a German stereotype.

Before we delve farther into this (very) interesting topic, I have a little story to share:

I’m fifteen years old, and I’m at the movies in Germany watching some already-forgotten American Blockbuster. I settle into my seat, munch of my sugared popcorn (yes, sugared) and get ready for the show to start. Right when I’m ready to see Bruce Willis single-handedly save the world, I am affronted with the image of two naked girls frolicking in the mist of a broken fire hydrant. Slightly confused (but noticing that no-one else is in the least bit offended), the commercial then proceeds to tell me that if I would like to smell as fresh and clean as these two naked ladies, I should buy Product X deodorant.

Naked girls = deodorant? Not much of a connection there!

An advertisement in Germany advocating safe-sex (2005)

Case in point: Many Germans (and Europeans for that matter), treat sex and the naked body as something normal. You might laugh at Speedo-clad individuals getting burnt on the beach, but if anything, their body image security should be admired.

All this sex must lead to a very corrupt society, right? No! Sex education, as well as catchy government subsidized PSA’s have effectively helped increase knowledge of STD’s and lower teen pregnancy rates. In fact, German HIV rates and teen pregnancy rates, are several factors lower than that of the United States! (read this for more info)!

“For dreamers, the realistic, and the braggers” – PSA for safe sex in the Frankfurt train station (Germany)

Aside from sex eduction, Germany is the only country that I’ve ever witnessed seriously debating the benefits of giving prostitutes tax-deductions for sex toys. In fact, before the World Cup in 2006, many brothels were worried about not having enough space to accommodate so many young and rowdy football fans!

So whether or not “sex” is a national pastime important enough to rank up there with beer and bratwurst, is up to you to decide. Either way, it sure makes for some funny traveling moments!