Generalization that during the period following WW I it
looked as if democracies hadn't the strength to resist
totalitarianism. World War II showed that the democracies
could resist totalitarians. Further, cured them for a time of
temptation to one kind of totalitarianism, that of Nazis. As
concentration caps were opened, clear "this is evil"
something one must stand against. Hitler has become symbol
of evil--as well he should--but there's a real danger to this
as a symbol. In contrast to Hitler, the rest of us look pretty
good, and it's very temptating to view Hitler as an
aberation--an evil person amid all us fine, good, moral people.
In comparison with Hitler, even Jan looks pretty good--even
I look pretty good! Because we think Hitler an aberation, we
tend to believe that the things that happened in Germany,
events like those described in Night could never happen
here. This is simply not the case.
You see the holocaust, the destruction of the Jews, not
a uniquely cruel even in human history. Not record for
deaths--not even the cruelest of deaths. What makes the
holocaust so troubling is where it took place. German:
civilized, progressive, good to the Jews!
How could such a horrile thing happen in Germany?
1. Gradual (loss of citizenship, etc.)
2. Consensus ideas taught in schools, universities (evolution,
militarism)
3. No respect for rule of law
4. Bitterness and frustration over WW I, unemployment
5. Poor economic conditions
6. Fear
7. Jealousy (Jews in art/literature) values are different!
* What motivates a man like Mengele?
* Are such a majority?
* Why do other stand by?
* Why are Jews themselves so slow to react? (cf. Moshe/my Dad
in Austria)
* What does the camp do to Jews?
Not all there is to it! Humor remained: better world=bar
of
soap. Die=chance to better himself. Many examples of human
greatness in campus. Corrie Ten Boom/Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
* What does camp to to Wiesel himself/faith?
* What is his complaint against God?
* Is there an answer? (test/restoration)
Irony: If you take away religious belief, such things are far
more likely.
Germany 5% church
going/not Christian
Hitler "Aryanized"
church/tried to revive paganism,
systamatic attempt to wipe out Christian belief.
Christmas replaced with Yuletide. No
carols. No
Christmas pageants.
Certain things keep us civilized. Democracy, rule of law.
When these break down, other things might help. (cf.
church in days of Roman empire. But without such
standards, result is catastrophe.