The Official 356Talk Forum

Fairly often, when referring to workers at the Porsche factory, people here refer to them as Hans, Fritz, or some other common Gernam first name.

One wonders why. Is it to show some childish familiarity with German names? Or slight familiarity with German culture? As a form of self-aggrandizement?

To my taste, all it shows is ignorance. It's like referring to Italian males as Tony or Giuseppe. Or American white males as Brad and Chad. Or American black males as Leroy and Reggie.

I think you are too sensitive. Being upset all the time can't be enjoyable. Don't assume that something that minor is intended to offend or demean.

I am as far from overly sensitive as you can get. I am far from being upset. In my view, this practice is a reflection of the simple mindedness of the people doing it.

As a rule, I would say 356 owners are a sophisticated, well-educated bunch. This practice belies that.

https://www.babymed.com/baby-baby-names ... ames-1940s

According to this Hans was the most popular german male baby name in the 1940s. Up there for many other decades too. On pretty safe statistical grounds using Hans to refer to a German male in the 60s?

Same as calling a US soldier GI Joe. Joe is or was one of the most common names in the US so using it as a generic for the average GI was the norm. Maybe by today's standards this is unacceptable to some but IMO society in general has become PC to an extreme. I don't care for extremes at either end of the spectrum. If "Hans" or "Joe" is used in a derogatory tone, it's wrong. If used as a generic, doesn't bother me at all. Others will obviously disagree. I've never used the term myself.

Possibly a carryover from the old Saturday Night Live sketches "Pumping Up with Hans and Franz"?

Edwin; chill out, dude.

Edwin, I don't personally remember ever using common German names to refer to the German people generally but I do see the hypocrisy in your criticism of those doing so. Your complaint in response to your perceived offensive acts is to use these labels...

CHILDISH, IGNORANCE, SIMPLEMINDEDNESS, UNSOPHISTICATED, POORLY EDUCATED

As the PC policeman could you explain how these labels are not aggressive triggers? Could these labels be offensive to our members who are not college educated and who do not drink the best wines? Actually, those members are not likely to give a damn because they are too busy getting things done. They probably don't need a "safe space" or counseling.

Are there any limits to "off-topic"?

C J Murray wrote:Edwin, I don't personally remember ever using common German names to refer to the German people generally but I do see the hypocrisy in your criticism of those doing so. Your complaint in response to your perceived offensive acts is to use these labels...

CHILDISH, IGNORANCE, SIMPLEMINDEDNESS, UNSOPHISTICATED, POORLY EDUCATED

As the PC policeman could you explain how these labels are not aggressive triggers? Could these labels be offensive to our members who are not college educated and who do not drink the best wines? Actually, those members are not likely to give a damn because they are too busy getting things done. They probably don't need a "safe space" or counseling.

Are there any limits to "off-topic"?

CJ, I don't drink wine.

If you are sorta going to quote me, sorta do it accurately.

Is it really so difficult to write "the factory workers" instead of "Hans and Fritz"? Same number of words.

Less syllables. Hans and Fritz; three. the factory workers; six. No-brainer for us lazy types.

What a very odd thing to be insulted by

Be careful what you say, CJ. The Politically Correct Police are listening.......

Wes Bender wrote:Be careful what you say, CJ. The Politically Correct Police are listening.......

Agent Smart and I always use the "dome of silence". You can't be too careful!

Meh. What's the big deal? They got to drink beer while working, too.