The rest of the second afternoon was spent at the University. After sampling some of the cafeteria food (god bless the SMC campus center at UMB and the amazing food at Bon Appetite!) it was time to see the students PowerPoint presentations. The students covered concepts of human rights education, the importance of memorials and meanings behind them, racism, and Turkish immigrants in Germany. My Ana talked about racism, facilitating the most heated debate of the afternoon among both sets of students. I really enjoyed watching both groups interact. Bonded by our common interest in social work but the products of highly differentiated backgrounds, the ping-pong-ness of the debate made it both exciting and informative. The exciting part was a special accomplishment, considering we had all just eaten and were in a very hot classroom (the Germans don't believe in AC) which usually results in students dozing off.
Then, the tenured professor from a university in Minnesota traveling with our group presented about the Chikota (sp?) indians, aka the Sioux, who rose against the US government and their unfulfilled promises in the town of Mankato (sp). Mankato, a town comprised majorly of German immigrants, was attacked in response to the oppression of the true Native Americans. It was an excellent way to draw parallels between our two countries and human rights issues. It also made me remember my Cherokee heritage and my great great great grandfather who walked the Trail of Tears. So often I forget how we treated those who truly had been in America first, and realized that I needed to improve my cultural competence in this particular area.
That evening the same group headed out. We had dinner at another student hangout and then headed up to the castle to watch the sunset. What a hike - especially after a few German beers. It was worth it though!!!! Then we headed back to Ana's flat, fully intending to go back out but getting a bit sidetracked.....We had wodka (vodka) shots and watched YouTube videos. Anjela Johnson is yet another thing that crosses cultures. So is the sassy gay friend and David goes to the dentist. If you don't know what I'm talking about, get on YouTube and search those terms. Now. <3
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