It's nice to be noticed. Especially when you've spent nearly two decades being fought over by world superpowers that can't agree on what to do with you. You just want to hear someone admit that this situation isn't ideal, but will probably get better someday. That's all.
Sometimes you just need some acknowledgement of all you've gone through. Kennedy is finally giving Berlin a fatherly pat on the shoulder with his "Ich bin ein Berlin" speech. He's saying, essentially, "Atta boy. Nice perseverance out there."
Questions About Perseverance
- If you lived in Berlin during the Cold War, would you stick it out, or more away?
- Does telling people "it will get better" really help at all? Why or why not?
- What other cities or regions of the world have also had to persevere through more than their fair share of hard times?
- What qualities does a city need to persevere through difficult situations like the one in Berlin?
Chew on This
The people of Berlin had to persevere through many difficulties, but their problems pale in comparison to the difficulties of today.
The history of the 20th century can be best studied by looking at Berlin, a city that saw two world wars and the Cold War and yet thrives today.