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• Über Column: Viktor's Message - May 28, 2010
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• Über Column: Moving to America
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• Über Column: Viktor’s Message
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Written by Viktor Kewenig

In the previous column I spoke about my arrival and first experiences with America and the people. Since then, a lot of time has passed, and I’ve gotten to know America better- tasted root beer and played football.  But there is one thing I am still wondering about: American fashion.

Going to school in basketball shorts and tennis shoes?

This wouldn’t be acceptable in Europe. There is actually no definite way you have to dress, but in Germany teachers would tell you if they think your clothes are inappropriate, and students would probably laugh at you. This is probably because school is more formal in Germany.

In Europe teachers and University professors, have more authority, and you would be unwise to question them. Going to school is a more formal occasion and therefore you dress more formal. You don’t have to wear khaki-pants and leather shoes, but at least jeans and Converse All-Stars. However I like the American way. In Europe you constantly have to watch out. For example, if you bought a new pair of pants and your classmates didn’t like them, you would be screwed.

Here I could stay in my pajamas and nobody would say a thing. I think it is great that Americans connect their Fashion with comfort. In Europe we have skinny jeans and tight shirts. Some people might say it’s too much of a flamboyant style, in comparison to the XXL shirts and baggy pants in America.

For the most part I don’t mind American Fashion but there’s one thing I still don’t understand.

I am talking about uggs. I didn’t know that you can wear winter boots in 70 degree weather. I didn’t even know that uggs existed before, so I was wondering why all the girls wear the same pair of shoes. Not that I don’t like them, but I am just not used to them.

But that’s it now, I found a great dress shirt for the dance, we don’t have dances in Germany at all.

I will keep you updated.

1. Elissa Webb Says:
   November 6th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

   Uggs are in fact an Australian invention that has been made huge and expensive by Americans. I don’t wear them personally, but I understand they are very comfortable.

   [Reply]

2. KT Says:
   December 17th, 2009 at 9:26 am

   uggs are hideous.

   [Reply]