The Nobel Savage Prize

Movin’ to Montana soon

Germany is slightly smaller than Montana, it’s not as rectangular and the population density is 600 people per sq. mi., not 6. Unlike Monaco (43,000 per sq. mi.), its citizens all seem to be feverishly vying for space. There is an odd insistence on confrontation, in everything from discourse to merely walking down the street. They just took way too long to rid themselves of autocratic forms of government. This has also resulted in their retention of an impermeable outer layer. Whereas Americans are more like cotton candy (light and fluid with a flimsy paper core), Germans melt in your mouth and not in your hand. Formal groups are inordinately important here, as environments where they can let their hair down. The Burschenschaften (fraternities, referred to these days as Studentenverbindungen) are perhaps one of the most pronounced. Originating in the early 19th century in support of a united, democratic Germany, they still exist today (although they were temporarily banned twice, both times by pushy Austrians). Ritualistic drinking is very important, and they wear hats.


You can get them on eBay.


One of their most interesting rites of passage is the Mensur, a sort of duel at one pace with basket-hilt swords, best described by the following unattributed quotes:


"...rather than avoiding a hit by a quick reflexive movement you stand and take it rather than break your pattern. The only body part you're allowed to move is your sword arm. Move your head, duck, twitch, attempt to dodge...and your own people will call the bout."

"the goal being less to avoid injury than to endure it stoically. A doctor is generally present to attend to injuries..."


"The scar resulting from a hit is called a Schmiss (German for a "smite"), or Renommierschmiss (bragging scar), and was regarded as a badge of honor"

"The scars showed you had courage and education"


No harder to understand than boxing I suppose, just weirder.