Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
On several recent occasions, I’ve noticed how my American students have redefined the word “kid”. It’s now a neutral way of referring to a man of college age, as in, “that kid in the yellow shirt” or “the kid who’s studying biology”. It’s long been common for older people to refer to their own offspring as kids for years after … >>
Being the only tourist in a far-off place always leads to some interesting invitations — as when the mayor of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, suggested I attend the celebration of his son’s baptism. The elders from the mayor’s village welcomed me into their midst and gave me a front-row seat for the start of the afternoon’s entertainment. Musicians played a soft … >>
Good teachers and professors can convey their wisdom between the lines. But our education is more than our formal schooling. I firmly believe it’s possible to learn from anyone and any experience. My role as an advisor to German and American exchange students puts me in a position to offer my own wisdom when asked for it. I say things … >>
Last summer, the University of Düsseldorf invited me to give a talk about careers to students at its English department. One of them wanted to know how I had found my career. In Yakov Smirnoff style, I explained that my career had found me. Specific circumstances had led to me being hired as a writer and editor, I said, in … >>
My German friends are often amazed when I tell them I’ve been to their home town — whether it’s Darmstadt, Bremerhaven, Görlitz or any of dozens of smaller places. Many of them have traveled around the world without ever having explored much of their own country. I wasn’t any different when I was growing up. The world I knew was … >>
This time last year, I received word from a college friend that one of my professors had passed away. Hugh Young had a great sense of humor and a remarkable way of relating to young people. Young told us he’d do anything to help us students stay awake during his physics lectures. “I’d stand on my head for you guys … >>
Last week, the government of Hessen invited me to talk to a group of German students who were going to spend a semester in America. I talked about stereotypes and the way citizens of our two countries often see each other. Other speakers talked about visa requirements and the American university system. The most interesting part, however, was when the … >>
One of the most famous men in Pennsylvania died on Sunday. Joe Paterno, 85, had been the head coach of the Pennsylvania State University football team for the last 46 years. He was one of the most successful college football coaches ever. To sports fans, he was like one of the gods on Mount Olympus. There is even a statue … >>
It’s the last week of the Oktoberfest, and Munich is full of partygoers. Same procedure as every year, but with two differences: 1. Nearly all the German tourists are dressed up, which gives the whole thing more dignity; and 2. They are younger than ever. Most of the visitors I’ve seen are between the ages of 16 and 18. Young … >>
Picture this: Last October, a group of American exchange students is walking through a pedestrian plaza in downtown Wiesbaden late at night. Suddenly, they’re approached by a gang of young ethnic Turks who don’t like the fact that one of the students is speaking English. “Hey!” the gang leader barks at him. “You’re American, aren’t you?” “Keep walking, Sam,” I … >>