What am I proud of? Well, I guess, it's not so much pride, but an overwhelming sense of gratitude, in my case.
I live in a country that is somewhat slow and bureaucratic, but still reasonably wealthy, and, above all: democratic. Horrible things have happened here in the past, and nothing can be done to change that. The guilt, our ancestors have heaped upon their nation will always remain. But, at least, we are aware of that. We don’t lie about our history but make an effort to teach our young people better. The "Third Reich" and the Holocaust are essential parts of the teaching curriculums in school, nowadays. Thank God!
I'm lucky enough to belong to the younger generation, myself, who have neither experienced the horrors of war nor have known suppression or dictatorship. As a journalist, I am also happy to say that the freedom of the press is held in high regard overhere, which is not the case in so many countries!
There is much to be grateful for in my private life, too. To be honest, I never really had to struggle for anything. I was the youngest child in my family. My two older siblings kinda paved me the way. I went through school, university and job training without any serious trouble, got employed before I even graduated, married a man who, as a Cancer, taught me (a stubborn Capricorn) a thing or two on endearments and was ready to stay at home with our baby when I wanted to go back to work half a year after our sweet lil' Franca was born. Do I have to mention that I have a beautiful, healthy, sweet little child? God, I'm very grateful, indeed!
And I have both: a sweet live in a rural, small town community (with all it's blessings) and a job that is challenging, interesting and satisfying. And: well paid!! I am very aware of the fact that I am the exception to the rule. Many females of my age will envy me. I'm not the typical representative of my gender. I feel privileged. And I am grateful. Proud? Dunno. Germans got a problem with that word. And rightly so.
Love
ANKE
