Some teachers were purged from the system because of past work as informers for the Stasi. But Falco Wekentin, who helps train the teachers, says a new generation of educators has emerged that is genuinely interested in establishing the truth. Given the ruthlessness of the police state that existed in East Germany, it can be a surprise to see how many eastern Berliners are now expressing an unvarnished nostalgia for their old way of life, a phenomenon jokingly called Ostalgia. Several thousand people turned out for a huge Ostalgia party in East Berlin last month to mark the anniversary of reunification in 1990. The spectators danced to East German rock bands, watched videotapes of old East German television shows, even quaffed Vita Cola, the communist Coke.
People are able to stand apart from the system now.
Not surprisingly, having spent such a huge sum, many westerners regard eastern disappointment as ingratitude. A recent opinion poll conducted by the city government showed that attitudes are changing, albeit slowly. They may not be content with their jobs, their lives or their government, but most people, east and west, are happy 10 years after the Wall came tumbling down to call Berlin their home. Time Inc. New Media. All Rights Reserved.