Misunderstood

I've been at my new job for about a month now and while I still feel very inadequate and overwhelmed some/most of the time, I'm enjoying it. Will it be my career? Probably not, but it's fine for the time being. My official title is Aquatics Coordinator, but sometimes I feel like it should be the Offical Babysitter of 60 Lifeguards and 30 Swim Instructors. A good portion of the staff is still in high school, but who was the last 17 year old you knew that needed a babysitter? I just don't think I should have to constantly tell my staff what they should be doing-- they have been trained well, so they should just do it with out me riding their tails all the time! ANYWAY...

My current read is Suite Francaise and I'm enjoying it immensely. I have this thing for book about wars, especially WWII. This book is a great look into human nature and characteristics, both good and bad, especially in reaction to bad situations. Also, I have gained a greater insight into why the French people are the way they are today. Even though I don't necessarily agree with all the things France does politically, (though their use of nuclear power technology is arguably the best in the world, something the US could certainly learn from) I believe the French are incredibly misunderstood, especially by Americans. I will admit, I have made my fair share of French jokes involving white flags and the like, but after studying French and French culture/history for a few years now, and after reading this book, I would like to believe I am more understanding. For example, the French have a great pride-- most say to a fault. While reading this book, I have come to a partial explanation why, however elementary it may be. In the last 100 years, the French have been deeply affected by wars-- namely WWI and WWII. France lost an entire generation of young men during WWI and a mere 20 years later, was invaded by Germany and was under Nazi control until WWII ended. Here in the US, we have be blessed to never have experienced invasion and control by a foreign power. Yes, we've had Pearl Harbor and 9/11, but never have we been under complete foreign control. Imagine how the French felt as their dignity went right out the window after Germany marched through Paris. I would argue that with their dignity completely smashed and as the international community viewed them as cowards, their pride was the only thing they could cling to-- their pride in their language, food, culture, and lifestyle. I have heard numerous stories of the rudeness of the French, particularly towards Americans who try to speak their language (though I have never experienced it myself). So while I'm not excusing their behavior, I'm merely arguing that the French have endured things that we Americans have not had to, which may explain their pride. I assure you, I'm not trading in my American citizenship for French citizenship any time soon, (unless Barak Obama or John McCain wins the election. just kidding... sort of.) I just think it's important to try and understand the other peoples of the world. And in America especially, I think the French are widely misunderstood. So go learn about the French!