Recognition and Identity: A Look at Different Cultures
“Ver-” and “Rücken” – Being “Verrückt”
The German word verrückt ("crazy") holds a profound symbolism when broken down into its components.
The prefix ver- suggests a change, a movement away from the normal toward something different. It signifies a shift, a motion that opens up a new perspective. Rücken, on the other hand, refers to the position someone holds—both physically and metaphorically.
To verrücken something means to move it out of its previous order and place it somewhere new.
So, when someone is labeled as verrückt, it could just as well mean they are brave enough to leave their usual spot and venture into unknown territory. It’s an invitation to view the world from a fresh perspective and challenge entrenched patterns. Perhaps this is the true potential of being verrückt: the ability to push boundaries and explore new paths that may initially seem incomprehensible to others.
"Because you’re a little crazy."
This sentence has been on my mind again over the past few days. I’ve been hearing it ever since I started exploring Japan during my final years of high school, discovering a side of myself I hadn’t known before. I often wonder: is this meant as a loving compliment? Or is it a subtle critique of the fact that I’m walking my own path, one that doesn’t conform to the norm?
Why does it seem so hard to gain recognition for being different in Germany, while I often receive such positive feedback from my Japanese friends?
In Germany, I frequently hear comments like: “That’s crazy, what you’re doing,” or “I could never do that.” While these statements aren’t overtly negative, they often carry an undertone of skepticism or distance. Why is that? Why does it seem so important in Germany to fit into a certain mold and just be “normal,” while in Japan, my courage, goals, and abilities are admired?
Of course, I always need to keep in mind that I’m fundamentally someone who wasn’t born and raised in Japan but carries the values and principles of Japanese culture deeply within me and actively lives them.
In conversations with my Japanese friends, I often hear: Tanja wa sugoi ne. (“You’re amazing”), or they express their admiration for my path and decisions outright. They don’t see me as “crazy” or “different” but as exceptional. This recognition feels so genuine and gives me strength. But why is it so different in Germany? Why do some people in my own homeland diminish me, while in Japan, I feel supported, uplifted, and encouraged?
One possible answer could lie in cultural differences. Germany has a strong culture of safety and structure. Those who step outside these structures are often seen as risk-takers or even as “unreasonable.” In Japan, however, despite being a highly collectivist society, individuality—when expressed through talents and goals—is more likely to be regarded as something special. People there admire those who have the courage to pursue their dreams—perhaps because many have been taught not to stand out from the crowd.
There’s also another layer to consider: interpersonal dynamics. Could it be that some people in Germany unconsciously feel threatened by my path? When someone lives a dream that others might never have dared to pursue, it can lead to a sort of defensive reaction. A comment like “You’re crazy” might reveal less about me and more about how they perceive themselves.
This raises a larger question: Why is it so difficult to simply recognize people as they are? Why is being different so often perceived as a threat rather than an enrichment? Isn’t it precisely the diversity of dreams, ideas, and paths that makes our world interesting?
Perhaps the answer lies in how identity is approached in Germany and Japan.
In Germany, people are often evaluated based on performance and conformity. Anyone who steps out of line has to justify themselves. In Japan, on the other hand—where group harmony is of great importance—individual strength can still be seen as admirable if it contributes to the enrichment of the whole.
For me, it’s an ongoing exercise not to let negative comments influence me. At the same time, I want to show the people around me that it’s possible to follow your own path without apologizing for being different.
In the end, the most important thing is probably to stay true to ourselves and recognize our own value—regardless of whether someone sees us as “crazy” or “special.”
Comentários