There are many differences between America and Germany on what is allowed for people at certain ages. These differences include alcohol consumption, driving, working, even seeing movies. Some things are the same between America and Germany, but many things are different. The youth of America are much more sheltered than the children in Germany.
To begin, in Michigan, children under 10 may hunt on private or commercial land, if and only if, they have a mentored youth hunting license. A youth hunting license is available to those 10 to 16 years old, then at 17 an adult license is required. To obtain hunting licenses, a person only needs to complete a simple, relatively inexpensive hunter's safety course which goes over firearm and bow safety and maintenance. As well as game identification, field dressing, and hunting seasons. In Germany, a hunting license is first required for anyone who wishes to apply for a hunting permit must be over 18 years old. Obtaining hunting a hunting license is said to be like obtaining a master's degree, because the participants are tested so rigorously over animal biology, game damage prevention, farming and forestry, treating meat for human consumption, and conservation laws, as well as the regular firearm and bow laws and maintenance. That is why I am glad to be living in America, because otherwise I would never get venison.
Another differing age restriction is in working. In Michigan, a person 14 years old could work some jobs, with a work permit issued from the school they attend, and not having more than 48 hours of school and work combined. In Germany, someone can begin working at 13 years old, with the permission from the parents, and work 40 hour weeks. I think Michigan's law of no more than 48 hours in a week is better than Germany's 40 working hours simply because a 14 year old is in middle school, and shouldn't be working that much.
A third major difference in the German and American culture, is the drinking age. America is 21 in public, no exceptions. Although, a minor can consume alcohol at a private party in someone's house. In Germany, 14 years old is considered old enough to drink beer and wine at a restaurant, with a parent's permission. Then, at 16, they no longer need a parent's permission. When they turn 18, they are allowed to drink hard liquor, as well as go clubbing all hours of the night. I like how Germany's culture trusts what Americans consider minors with alcohol and gives them the opportunity to learn how to responsibly drink before learning to drive. Where in America, we learn to drive before learning to responsibly drink.
The last significant difference is the driving age. In Michigan, driving is allowed with a learner's permit at 14 years, 9 months. Then, a level one license at 16 years old. and different level licenses for different ages. In Germany, people can drive at 17 years old, with parental supervision, which isn't very different. When they turn 18, then they can have their license. Many people in Germany don't get their license because everything is so close knit, it is unnecessary.
Looking at the younger age requirements, I still believe American children in general are sheltered compared to children in Germany. I think that many American children would like living in Germany, especially for the drinking law. But I think waiting until 21 years old is better because part of our brain is not fully developed until we are 21 years old. I also like how easy it is for Americans to obtain hunting licenses, and weapon permits, albeit its easier for crimes to be committed. All in all, there are pros and cons to both cultures, but I remained bias to American culture.
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Do you really think that is important for minors to learn to drink before they drive? I think in either country there can be situations where minors drink and drive and even if they know their limits in Germany, they still are not as mature as adults in thinking things through.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's really interesting that obtaining a hunting licence in Germany has so many prerequisites, do you think that they necessarily need that many laws or could they're system successfully model Americas?
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