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21st Century Oktoberfest

By Army.mil on U.S. Army homepage

The drinking of alcoholic substances has persisted for millenniums as a generic human social practice. In almost every culture in the world the consumption of libations as they are often called, is extensive. Nevertheless, what inherent social value does the drinking of alcohol possess  if done in groups or in a community setting? The most notable nature of this practice is that its stemmed from community rituals of the past, such as religious rites. In fact, in almost every culture a deity has been assigned or attributed to the drinking of wine. However, more importantly it is an established social practice that is a significant part of the cultural heritage of a particular society or country.

Drinking And The Sense Of Community

Even before the Romans occupied Germany, the ancestors of the German people have long consumed alcoholic substances in social events and communal activities. Regardless of the functionality of this practice, its value was that is served in part as a vessel as well as a manifestation of culture. Cultural preservation was undertaken indirectly through these rites. Setting aside the intangible value of these communal drinking activities it also serves another important role in the development of the society.

It is an avenue and mode of socialization. It facilitates the forming of community bonds and helps in strengthening existing ones. It constantly reinforces the idea and sense of belonging to the individual or the community. This in turn develops the society in a way wherein it is established as a unified and identified whole.  On the psycho – social level develops community consciousness, which would later be expressed in the creation of a nation and eventually a state. This socio – cultural dynamic of communal drinking is what gives it an added tangible value.

Western Decadence

Detractors and opponents of the Oktoberfest in Germany, which is a national event wherein there is extensive communal drinking, would argue using the circumstances of this year’s event. In this year’s Oktoberfest, it set a new record for the amount of alcohol consumed as well as the most with irregular incidents. The number of cases of lost items has increased due to the drinking that ensued aside from the usual commotions that accompany communal drinking festivals like this.

However, the main contention of those who are against these kinds of activities is that it highlights and emphasizes decadence, particularly western decadence. This means that the prosperity of these countries has eroded extensively values and morals to the level where they no longer matter anymore. In contrast, this discounts the fact that countries like Germany, although has activities like this is perhaps one of the most values – oriented nations of Earth.

National Heritage

The Oktoberfest is part of Germany’s national identity. Communal activities that are rich in history and date as far back as ancient times require constant practice as a means to preserve it. This activity has been in existence since before the birth of the modern German state. This makes this important along with other cultural treasures of Germany. In fact, Germany is known for this annual event. It cannot be assessed as a matter of moral values since culture and all manifestations of it transcend this.

References:
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/oktoberfest-sets-beer-consumption-record/story?id=11802715

http://www.oktoberfestpubcrawl.com/oktoberfest/Oktoberfest-Survival-Guide.pdf

October 24, 2010 - Posted by brylee cox | Society | 21st Century Oktoberfest, Ancient Drinking Rituals, Drinking and the Sense of Community, National Heritage, Octoberfest, Oktoberfest, payday loan, short term loan, Western Decadence