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A culture expresses itself in many
different ways, but if it sticks only to itself and only its own
members then it will surely die. Only crossovers into other
cultures, the open doors, the bridges built will guarantee
survival. This appears to be especially true for our group. Ask
any business person if they can survive with their business by
doing it only with the “Germans” and you will hear a resounding
NO.
It has been obvious for quite a few years now that our community
is shrinking. Try to recall how many clubs we used to have in
Toronto, and how many are left. Also recall how many German
delis, bakers and butchers we used to have 20 years ago and
compare that to how many we have now.
As the original store owners retired and their children often
did not want to take over but chose another profession
altogether, the businesses were sold into other hands. In many
cases they did not survive because the customers, having grown
older also did not want to experience the change that came with
the new owners. They did not want to deal with a new face in
another language. They went to their butcher, baker, grosser or
restaurant because it was almost like visiting family or very
close friends. Everyone knew our names, our likes and dislikes
right down to the very special preferences.
It is a fact that as we get older, we more and more revert back
to our original roots and change becomes less and less
acceptable to us. The Rekai Centre for long term care can tell
you all about that.
Our children and grandchildren do not have those same roots.
They are mixing it up from an early age, do not want to be
different from the other kids and keep their parents heritage at
arm’s length for the most part. They might have had to oblige
when they were young, but as soon as it was possible and
education and then life and their own new family became too
demanding most of them opted out. Whether they were fleeing the
earlier enforcement or simply choosing what was dear and near to
them does no longer matter. Their cultural umbilical cord was
cut a long time ago.
Sure, they still show up on special occasion like Christmas and
Easter and so on. They remember that they have a German heritage
when the Soccer World Cup is being played, or another major
festivity gives rise to heritage pride. Then, for a short moment
they show their German colors, safe in a crowd of many other
Germans. Otherwise it is easier for them to live the Canadian
dream without specific cultural ties.
Let’s face it; it is really a lot easier that way. And in all
fairness, their concerns are not the same as those of the older
generation. They did not come from a country that was in ruins,
they have no recollection of war, they grew into a safe
environment. What we know from experience they only know from
books if they read them, or from films, if they were interested.
 Thus it is a miracle to me that there actually are some younger
folks out there interested in participating freely, as much as
they can, in our culture, such as our dance groups or the new
group of young people of the Remembrance Society. We need to
laud them and be grateful for their willingness to lend
expression to our culture, no matter what language they employ.
Culture is more than language, it is perhaps its most valuable
and important component, but our culture can also, in all its
various expressions be celebrated, executed and demonstrated and
participated in with another language. That is how cultures
survive, by sharing them with others. That is what causes
creative impulses that lead to great art and dialogue alike. The
interest in our culture is what will keep it alive, being shared
and consumed and participated with and in our community.
Equally that means that we have to also show an interest in
other cultures and share those.
Looking at what we have in common or what sets us apart will be
invigorating to everyone.
May I recommend a visit to the island and Bob Sandbo’s fabulous
photo exhibit of “Forgotten Corners and Secret Places” on Ward’s
Island throughout September in the rectory Café and Gallery. You
will find lots of things we have in common.
Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
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