Running head: CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND
Germany:
Cultural Family Background
Michelle R Miklinski
Liberty University
1

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND
Expert opinion has always been divided on whether cultural differences are due to nature or nurture. In the 14 th
century, Ibn Khaldun a Muslim scholar considered by some to be the founder of sociology, is quoted as saying, “The mind in its original state is ready to absorb any influence, good or bad”, expounding upon Mohammed who stated “Every child is born in a natural state, it is his parents who make him into a Jew, Christian or Zoroastrian” (Hofstede,
2004, p. 53). In the 18th century, philosophers like Hume in England, Montesquieu in France, and Kant in Germany dealt with questions of “national character (Hofstede, 2004, p. 53).” By the 20 th
century anthropologists embraced the concept and communication began regarding the possible link between personality and culture. The view that personality is created through the process of enculturation is an affirmed perception of those in the psychological field of study today. This in mind we begin our research into the cultural beliefs and values of our ancestry not only to find similarities from our past but to gain knowledge that will help us in our multicultural relationships within the counseling field. German culture will be explored followed by my families’ emigration from Germany to the United States. A five generational genogram will be plotted and a discussion on how family cultural patterns are being expressed today will round out the discussion.
Keywords: German culture, emigration, ancestry, genogram, cultural patterns
2

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND
German Ancestry
Introduction
Expert opinion has always been divided on whether cultural differences are due to nature or nurture. In the 14 th
century, Ibn Khaldun a Muslim scholar considered by some to be the founder of sociology, is quoted as saying, “The mind in its original state is ready to absorb any influence, good or bad”, expounding upon Mohammed who stated “Every child is born in a natural state, it is his parents who make him into a Jew, Christian or Zoroastrian” (Hofstede,
2004, p. 53). In the 18th century, philosophers like Hume in England, Montesquieu in France, and Kant in Germany dealt with questions of “national character (Hofstede, 2004, p. 53).” By the 20 th
century anthropologists embraced the concept and communication began regarding the possible link between personality and culture. In a textbook on social anthropology the relationship between personality and culture was described as such:
“Children, when they are born, are without culture, and hence are without personality, and almost without social relationships. The very incident of birth may be described as the termination of a biophysical relationship and, in the usual course of events, its replacement with a social relationship. Social relationships, then, expand with maturation; new culture is demanded in which to respond to other people so that the relationships are possible. The acquisition of that culture is ipso facto the growth of the personality. As the personality develops, the characteristic way of responding to given stimuli becomes more highly developed and, at the same time, more set Hofstede, 2004, p. 54)”.
The view that personality is created through the process of enculturation is an affirmed perception of those in the psychological field of study today. This in mind we begin our research into the cultural beliefs and values of our ancestry not only to find similarities from our past but to gain knowledge that will help us in our multicultural relationships within the counseling field.
3

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND
Germany’s History
The German people have had their share of adversity sometimes oppressed and other times being the oppressor, from slaves to the Roman Empire to dreams of world domination, Germany has seen economic crisis and has experienced wealth and prosperity. Until 1871, there was no
“real” Germany instead Europe's German-speaking territories were divided into several hundred kingdoms, principalities, duchies, bishoprics, fiefdoms and independent cities and towns (U.S.,
2012). Unification of the territory was short lived as it was again divided after World War II.
Bordered only by its natural resources the Baltic to the north, the Rhine to the west, and the
Danube to the south, the small Montana sized geography consists of low plains to north, high plains to the east, and the majestic Alps to the south (U.S., 2012). Germany's location in the heart of Europe has placed it in the center of conflict and has only recently stopped with the fall of the Berlin Wall. These ceaseless wars and the resultant chaos are often cited as a reason for the great desire to avoid uncertainty and the need to establish order (Hinner, 2009).
Consequently, many rules and regulations were created in Germany in order to reduce uncertainty as much as possible and this can still be seen in its culture today (Hinner, 2009).
Strict adherence to this belief system has proven its worth because by minimizing risks in advance, Germany has led the EU in the successful accomplishment of economic growth and prosperity.
Economic development began with the railroad revolution in the 1840s, opening up new markets and increasing demand for engineers, architects and skilled machinists. With its central location, Germany has had a decisive influence on European history. Today the country with its
82 million inhabitants is the most populous in Europe. Germany is one of the most highly developed and efficient industrial nations, in fact German mechanical engineering products,
4

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 5 vehicles, and chemicals are highly valued all around the world (Frankfurter Societäts-Medien
GmbH, 2012). Germany is the second largest exporter of goods worldwide after China and has transformed itself into a leader, reaching for super power status in the world’s economy
(Frankfurter Societäts-Medien GmbH, 2012).
Unsurprisingly, Germans are known for their industrious work ethic, they are seldom idle.
Germans are convinced that an excellent product sells itself. There is a famous saying in
Germany, “Wenn schon, denn schon” translated meaning: If something is worth doing at all, it is worth doing right (Tobey, 2012). Germans never do anything half-way, they are masters of organization and give great attention to detail. Perfectionist in nature, order abounds and punctuality rules; one is never late and attitude can be exacting. On the other hand Germans value sincerity, honor, and loyalty; are commendably honest and genuine in character. Germany has represented academic excellence in science and research while contributing highly in literature, music, and arts. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, and Strauss all have enriched us with their classical compilations, while Leibniz, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Marx have put their mark on world philosophy (Tobey, 2012).
Germany’s Culture
The influence of culture is not always apparent because cultural expression is usually indirect. Expressed by actions, thinking, and behavior it embodies all aspects of society. Due to the un-unified history of the German people cultural norms are easily distinguished based upon areas of geographical location. For example, Swabians, who live in Southwestern Germany, are said to be frugal, Bavarians, who live in Southeastern Germany, are said to be jovial, and
Northern Germans are said to be reserved (Hinner, 2009). Regional differences have also lent

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 6 themselves to linguistic dissimilarity. The German language has three principal dialect groups;
Low German in the north, Middle German in the center, and High German in the south (Hinner,
2009). The primary difference between the dialects is expressed by the consonant shift of p, t, k to f, s, and ch so that Low German; peper, water, maken become High German; Pfeffer, Wasser, machen (Hinner, 2009). Since language is a symbolic expression of culture this linguistic variety is clearly an expression of regional cultural diversity (Hinner, 2009).
Germany is also widely known for its religious diversity in the Northern and Southern regions of the country. Germany has been divided roughly into a Protestant north and a Catholic south and west since the Reformation in the 16th century. Beginning in 1517 with Martin
Luther's posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, the leaders of the
German kingdoms and principalities chose sides, leading to a split of the Empire into Protestant and Catholic regions ( U.S., 2012) .
Indigenous to both regions however is the value of quality meant to last. Most Germans feel that a house should be built to last so that future generations can continue to live in it as well.
From a German perspective, this makes sense since regional differences led many people to stay close to their home because of common dialect and practice of same religion (Hinner, 2009), this fact has played itself out in my own historical research. Several generations going back though time have indicated that marriages had always taken place between individuals of the same region, never deviating until my great-grandfather immigrated to America. This has also made genealogy research much easier since all of my ancestry comes from the southwestern region of
Germany from a small providence known as Ifferzhiem, Germany.

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 7
Universally Germans are known to be very task oriented, loaded with facts and data, they strive for accuracy and avoid making mistakes, to the German people mistakes translate into uncertainty (Hinner, 2009), something Germans prefer to avoid. Consequently emotions are frowned upon as well because they are neither tangible nor objective (Hinner, 2009). Due to the
Germans need for organization and detail, seldom is a task left uncompleted before going on to the next. This meticulous approach is often found in product development which translates into quality merchandise, the aim is to achieve absolute perfection and precision in every commodity
(Hinner, 2009). Strategic planning is thoroughly discussed before production begins, under the assumption that every detail has been carefully evaluated, there is no need for future communication. Implementation takes place by everyone working on their own with little or no exchange of information. If additional interaction is necessary it is assumed that the person in need lacks confidence and has failed in the competency of his duties (Hinner, 2012).
Family Origins
Iffezheim, Germany, Rastatt; Baden-Wurttemberg
Iffezheim, Germany, not far from the Rhine River, is a quaint little town; a picture perfect image of its countries cultural ideals. Situated between Baden-Baden and the French border w ith a population of 4,909 the seven square mile village reflects the rich heritage that Germany represents. Picturesque art hand painted by locals, grace the sides of homes and businesses alike.
Beautiful images of nature adorn showing the talent of its people; scrawled on each painting the faint signature of its creator, R. Leuchtner, the namesake of my ancestry.
My history begins ten generations ago, as far back as our research has gone. Seven generations born, married, and raising children all within this same little town; my ancestral search begins with Lorenz Leichner in 1690. While compiling the list I noticed that the spelling

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 8 of the surname has changed slightly, research suggests that this can happen due to emigration or through phonetically spelling. Since the changes were made while still in Germany my hypothesis is that it occurred due to phonetically spelling the name. The more modern version has been used the longest possibly due to formal education and writing principles (Leslie
Albrecht Huber, 2008). Lineage from 1690 – 1968 is as follows:
1690: Lorenz Leichner
1717: Lambertus Leichner
1744: Josephus Leichtner
1770: Melchior Leichtner
1800: Benedict Leuchtner
1827: Christianus Leuchtner
1865: August Leuchtner
1896: Clara Elva Leuchtner
1930: Harold R. Martin Sr.
1968: Michelle R Martin-Miklinski
My great grandfather, August Leuchtner was the first of my ancestors to immigrate to the
United States possibly looking for a better life with more opportunity; he left Germany in 1888 by passage on the SS Aller steam ship during the third and longest emigration exodus from
Germany to North America, occurring from 1880 – 1893 (Bade, 1980). Born August 4 th
1865, he sailed from Bremen, Germany to New York arriving July 7, 1888. The SS Aller manifest lists his occupation as merchant, he made his home in Eastern Pennsylvania where he met and married Anna Francis Allison, November 23, 1895. In the Journal of Interdisciplinary History research shows that the largest group of emigrants arriving in North America during the 18 th
and

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 9
19 th
century was from German descent. Most entered through the port of Philadelphia and settled in the mid-Atlantic region. Pennsylvanians of German ancestry accounted for 50-60 percent of Pennsylvania’s population in 1760 and 33 percent in 1790; they were an important resource that shaped the social, economic, and political landscape of Pennsylvania history
(Grubb, 1990). Working as a carpenter, he raised nine children along with his wife until his death in 1912. Death records indicate that he was a good, honest, upright citizen who was a staunch member of the Citizens Fire Company. Ailing from Asthma, he died at home suddenly but peacefully in his chair on October 20 th
, 1912 (Pottsville Republican, 1912). According to
Tobias, studies indicate a higher prevalence of asthma in immigrants and emigrants as opposed to non-immigrants (Tobias & Soriano, 2001, p. 459).
Pictures taken from his childhood birthplace show a sturdy home which was conveniently located just down the street from the Catholic Church he attended as a boy, affirming the religious heritage of the Southwestern territory of which research spoke. Also photographed is a historical picture that shows the Leuchtner family home after it was bombed by the allied forces during WWII, it has since been restored as indicated by photographs taken in 2003. After his death with no income to care for their nine children, Anna had to make the heart wrenching decision to place her children into an orphanage. My Grandmother was the oldest of the nine siblings she was sixteen years old when they were placed at the Children’s Home. Anna Allison died at the age of 39 due to congestive heart failure in 1916. Family genealogy suggests that she possibly had rheumatic fever at an early age which may have caused damage to her heart valves.
Orphanages were prevalent during the early 1900’s housing children whose parents had died, abandoned them, or were temporarily unable to care for them due to illness or poverty
(Freundlich, 2006). Consequently, this was the experience of my grandfather as well. His

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 10 father, my paternal great grandfather, George F. W. Martin (whose lineage hails from Germany as well, although time has not permitted to do extensive research) was born in 1865 after his ancestors had already immigrated to the United States. Married, he sired five children with his wife, Catharine R Hookie. At age 39 while he was working as a firemen, for the P&R Railroad, he was fatally scalded when the water bar burst and the contents of the boiler came spewing out.
The accident was caused by a defect in the boiler system which is known for causing such deaths to a number of railroad workers. The train was just pulling into the Pottstown station with my great grandfather and another man sitting on the firemen’s side of the cab when the bar filled with scalding water burst. With difficulty the two men were able to escape, falling from the engine unconscious and sent to Pottstown Hospital, neither man survived (Pottsville Republican,
1904). Reports from my father indicate that my great grandmother was so consumed with grief that she was diagnosed with melancholy, unable to care for her children due to mental and economic difficulties, she was forced to give up her five children to the local Children’s Home.
Catherine died at Schuylkill County Hospital in1913 at age 46, the death certificate was too hard to read to verify the cause of death but it was known that she was being treated for psychiatric illness possibly due to her depression and mental breakdown.
My grandfather, Roy H. Martin was one of the five siblings sent to reside at the Children’s
Home in Pottsville, PA. Born in June 1895, in Port Clinton, PA, he was the oldest male child of the family. An older sister Sally would later discharge the children from the orphanage, taking along my grandmother whom my grandfather had met while the two resided at the orphanage and since wed. Clara Leuchtner and Roy H. Martin married on August 21, 1915 when she was
19 and he, 20 years of age. They raised six children together, the youngest being my father. My grandfather continued the tradition of working on the railroad as a break man for the P&R

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 11
Railroad until his retirement. Raising their children in the Protestant tradition of faith, we continue this practice in our immediate family today. Stories told of my father’s upbringing suggest that his father was an alcoholic. In his anger, it was said that he threw my aunt down the stairs and accused my dad of killing his mom. My grandmother suffered from a severe stroke when my father was nineteen years old. My grandfather had told my dad to run to the local tavern and get some whiskey; apparently early research suggested that the combination of caffeine and alcohol can considerably reduce stroke damage. One ounce of whiskey in a cup of strong black coffee will potentially open up the blood vessels and increase blood flow (Grotta,
1999). My father ran to the local tavern but because he was under age they would not give him the whiskey, he came back home to no avail and his mother died shortly after, that evening. My father still has difficulty speaking about his mom and I believe may still carry some guilt from this traumatic event. Clara Elva Leuchtner died on August 18, 1950 at the age of 54, another one of many family members who have died at a significantly young age. My grandfather lived for another five years, dying from cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) and end stage renal disease. Most cases of ESRD occur due to diabetes or high blood pressure (American Kidney
Fund, 2012). Unknown at the time, my uncle and my brother have also been diagnosed with
Diabetes and I suffered from Gestational Diabetes when pregnant with my youngest son. My uncle had to have his legs amputated because of the disease and my brother struggles with regulating his insulin on a daily basis. The Gestational Diabetes that I acquired was insulin dependent so I was unable to control it with diet and had to give myself insulin shots up until the time I gave birth. I still have issues with insulin regulation but have not been diagnosed with diabetes; I believe there is a heretical connection not only with diabetes but also with high blood pressure as well.

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND
Family Genogram
1895 - 1955
59
Roy
Henry
Martin
1919 - 1919
0
Leroy
Martin
1919
92
Mildred
Sara
Martin
1922 - 1944
22
Roy
Henry
Martin
1923 - 1925
2
Marion
Clara
Martin
1927 - 1992
65
John
Martin
1930
81
Harold
Richard
Martin
1896 - 1950
54
Clara
Elva
Leuchtner
12
1884 - 1972
88
Charles
M
Seiders
1925 - 2010
84
Lillian
Grace
Seiders
1927
85
Dorie
Renee
Seiders
1930
82
Anne
Mae
Seiders
1933 - 1998
65
Dolores
Melva
Seiders
1905 - 2000
94
Mary
Blanche
Reigle
1956
56
Stephen
James
Martin
1958
54
Lynne
Marie
Martin
1960
52
Stuart
Frederick
Martin
1967
45
Richard
Miklinski
Jr
1961
51
Harold
Richard
Martin
1997
14
Michael
Joseph
Miklinski
1963
49
Kathleen
Elise
Martin
2000
11
Matthew
Christopher
Miklinski
1968
44
Michelle
Rene
Martin
1970
42
Robert
Michael
Martin
Maternal Lineage
Not much is known about my maternal lineage due to the death of my mother in 1998 and her two remaining sisters being in ill health. What is known however is that the family came from German descent and resided in Riegelsville, New Jersey. Riegelsville, NJ as well as,
Riegelsville, Pennsylvania was named after my ancestors who settled there. The Riegel family were farmers by trade and lived out their lives in the small rural town just like their ancestors before them would have based on the cultural norms of their homeland. My maternal grandmother met my grandfather through a personal ad he had placed in a local newspaper, looking for a wife. I guess it worked since they ended up having four girls, the youngest one

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 13 being my mother. My mother and father met in high school and were married on December 25,
1952. They raised seven children in a Christian home and remained married until the death of my mother in 1998. My mother suffered from severe depression and anxiety which I believe is heredity based. I say this because depression is now very prevalent in my sibling group, for me, and now my children. My mother suffered from a nervous breakdown during her pregnancy with my sister Kathy and later developed an autoimmune disease which took her life.
Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. It is a type of autoimmune disorder, a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue (Encyclopedia, 2012).
Doctors are currently unsure of what causes the disorder however I feel that stress factors may play a prominent role in triggering the onset of the disease.
Impact of Family Cultural Experience on Personal/Professional Development
Are cultural differences due to nature or nurture? I believe the answer is twofold. Heredity plays a part biologically when issues of mental or physical illness are of concern, however everyday likes and dislikes, ways of acting and reacting are definitely learned reactions from our family patterns and values. German cultural values and beliefs and the way I live my life are congruent even though I have not consciously sought out this collaboration nor have voluntarily made allegiance to them. German values and ethics have peppered my life experience especially when it comes to work ethic and orderliness. Ambiguity has always been my Achilles heel and I fight tooth and nail to avoid it. I always thought my perfectionist ways came from my dad, which I guess they did, perhaps not only as a reaction to successfully navigate our relationship but in a traditional dance that has been established from generations past. Almost manipulative

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 14 in nature I will painstakingly plan almost to the point of indecision to minimize risk in advance; these are all cultural foundations that have been generational truths proven by research and history alike. As an introverted people we are comfortable in solitude and are competent in our skill, however, it is mightily important as research has suggested that thorough knowledge and detail about a project must be ironed out in advance to ensure that ambiguity will not raise its ugly head. Quality in product is first and foremost and my philosophy is, as is the German people, if it is not done correctly it is not worth doing at all. This can be a very frustrating plight especially in this day and age of quick production based on quantity and materialistic greed.
I found it fascinating as well that the economic revolution of Germany depended favorably on the development of railway production. Many of my ancestors lived and died while providing a livelihood for their families. One story I neglected to tell was of my grandfathers brother who while working as a crossing guard for the P&R Railroad slipped and fell under a train, severing both of his legs and dying due to loss of blood; I wonder how this might have affected my grandfather knowing that his father and brother died at the hands of the job that he himself depended upon for the survival of his family. I would propose that these events have something to do with the anxiety he felt and why he took to drinking and acting out in the manner he did.
Coupled by the need of German certainty and the lack of control over his wife’s death could have sparked the out lash of events that poured out wrath onto his nineteen year old son when he could not obtain the whiskey he thought would surely protect her from her fate. I have always contemplated over this event as I strive to understand my dad and the sometimes critical relationship we tend to have. Unbeknownst to him, his perfectionist ways and the narrow perspective of how things can be achieved are classical German traits that have me obsessing over punctuality, micromanaging projects through organization and detail, and avoiding the

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND criticisms of completing a job not to his meticulous specifications. Unfortunately these traits have created an avoidant attitude in me, in wanting to maintain a close relationship, which cannot be afforded due to his maturity in age. German honor and loyalty will always win out however for I know that my father is of genuine character and his sincerity of wanting the best for his family outweighs the avoidance that my tendency for depression meticulously tries to maintain.
15
I see these traits in my own children and coupled with the hereditary depression we have, conflict and anxiety fill our home. Luckily we are a family who have seen the benefits of counseling and therapy and are open to the solutions it can afford. I believe my depression and wisdom of insight have helped me and guided me into the field of counseling others. My love for music, literature, and arts have afforded me hope and gave me the tools necessary to seeks out coping skills that will aid in the recovery of others such as myself. The expressionism of regional cultural diversity has given me an appreciation for multicultural diversity that may not have been expressed as readily. Even in my upbringing the differences between Pennsylvania
Dutch and the traditional dialect of Germany have given me the insight into understanding that although we may all be different in some aspects we all still carry a lot of the same beliefs, values, and aspirations. Interestingly enough the diversities of Protestant in the north of
Germany and Catholic to the south have played themselves out even in the unification of our home. While my children and I practice the Protestant faith, my husband of Polish descent practices Catholicism but we have been able to maintain both cultures by understanding and learning about each other’s views and respecting the practices we hold dear. Finally, in the analogy that Germans build strong houses to be a place of safety for future generations, I find it my duty to build a strong foundation of faith so that I may leave a legacy full of traditional

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND values that stay in their hearts whether they are conscious of the cultural nature from which it came or are competently following it because of the nurturing experience that comes from the heart.
16

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 17
References
American Kidney Fund. (2012). What is ESRD?
Retrieved from http://www.kidneyfund.org
Bade, K. (1980). German emigration to the United States and continental immigration to
Germany in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Central European History ,
13 (4), 348-377.
Encyclopedia, A. M. (2012). Scleroderma . Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Frankfurter Societäts-Medien GmbH. (2012).
Facts about Germany . Retrieved from http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de
Freundlich, M. (2006). A return to orphanages? Adoption Quarterly , 9 (1), 1-11.
Grotta, J C. (1999). Acute stroke therapy at the millennium: Consummating the marriage between the laboratory and bedside. The Feinberg lecture. Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation , 30 (8), 1722-1728.
Grubb, F. (1990). German immigration to Pennsylvania, 1709 to 1820. The Journal of
Interdisciplinary History , 20 (3), 417-436.
Hinner, M. (2009). Culture's influence on business as illustrated by German business culture.
China Media Research , 5 (2).
Hofstede, G. (2004). Personality and culture revisited: Linking traits and dimensions of culture.
Cross-Cultural Research , 38 (1), 52-88.
Leslie Albrecht Huber. (2008). Understanding Your Ancestors . Retrieved from http://www.understandingyourancestors.com
Tobey, E. (2012). Mannerisms and Cultural Traits of Germans in General . Retrieved from http://www.dererstzug.com

CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND 18
Tobias, A, & Soriano, J B. (2001). Symptoms of asthma, bronchial responsiveness and atopy in immigrants and emigrants in Europe: European community respiratory health survey. The
European Respiratory Journal , 18 (3).
U.S. (2012, March). Germany . Retrieved from http://www.state.gov
August Leuchtner dead. (1912, October 22). Pottsville Republican .
Fireman dies from scalds. (1904, May 24). Pottsville Republican , p. Obituary.