Another interview already? Believe it or not, we've struck a gold mine today! It is my privilege to post another interview, this time with a faculty member at the college I attend. Mr. Mike Zwolanek has been an assistant professor in the Humanities Department and Department of Business since 1995. I recently had an opportunity to interview him about the Holocaust.
The following questions and answers are from our interview.
As a history teacher, what is something you wish more people knew about the Holocaust? Or what is one fact/principle/person you have gleaned in your studies that more people should know about?
I think it might be the widespread support for Hitler’s plans. I think there’s a view that it was only Hitler’s plan and perhaps a few of his most loyal henchmen who used force to make it happen. Sadly, there were many in Germany, and outside of Germany, in Poland, Russia, other places who willingly turned Jews over to the Nazis for self-preservation, often (somewhat understandable), but, also, often because of widespread Antisemitism across Europe.
From a Biblical perspective, do you have any input on the Holocaust?
We can be encouraged that despite one of mankind’s most concerted efforts to eradicate the Jews, God’s promise was kept—to preserve His chosen people.
More specifically, we know that the Holocaust was a horrific event. Often people question God's reasoning for allowing such an event to happen: how would you respond to that, and can you think of any historic examples of the same principle?
It’s always tough to explain why horrible things happen in our world, of course. Perhaps a part of it is to show that above it all, He still reigns—it goes on, but He stops it, and can work with, through its results. One of the reasons, I think, is to show very clearly that we are NOT basically good, but we are, as humans, capable of horrific, horrible things—not just the Hitlers of the world, but also the thousands who cooperated with his efforts. After the war, Sociology/Psychology tried to examine if these things were just “German” in nature, and many of their experiments showed that, sadly, they were universal in nature.
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
April 25, 2011
Interview with Dr. Jeff Brown
Something I've always wanted to do is talk to someone who is presently in Germany, Poland, or some other country that has been significantly impacted by the events of the Holocaust. Finally, I got my opportunity!
Dr. Jeff Brown is a long-time missionary to the country of Germany. Recently, he graciously granted me the time to interview him about his experiences in Germany relating to the Holocaust. Below are the questions and his responses. Enjoy!
Are there any ways in which public perception of the Holocaust is unique or changing in Germany?
I am not current enough on this. I will answer as best I can. Most school children, since the 1980s have been well-taught about how the Holocaust took place and who was responsible. There is still an unspoken feeling of guilt on the part of most Germans about the responsibility of their nation in the event. There are quite a few youths in Germany who side with the neo-Nazi movement. They are also Holocaust deniers. But they are really a small percentage of the population. The amount of antisemitic activity (such as desecrating Jewish cemeteries) has increased in the past 6-8 years. Again, this represents a small minority of German youth. But it is growing (while at the same time the radical left is growing even more among youth in Germany). Political events of 70 years ago, or even 20 years ago have little meaning to many young people under age 30. So they don't take the lessons as seriously.
What is the attitude of German nationals you have interacted with towards the Holocaust? Do they relate personally to it? What is the general attitude towards Jewish people?
There is a three-fold answer to this question.
First, 20 years ago I often met older people who had lived through WWII, and who were positive about Hitler. They felt that the Jews had brought their fate upon themselves (the logic was twisted, but they believed it). I also met other people who spoke plainly about how evil the Hitler regime was, and how it was responsible for the murder of millions of Jewish people.
Second, the postwar generation (my generation) generally understands that what the Hitler regime did was an abomination, that it must never be allowed to happen again. They also usually answer that they are morally no better than their parents and grandparents. They simply know now from history not to repeat it. That is an honest answer. Then there are others in the postwar generation who are always defensive when the subject is brought up.
Third, the members of the Generation X and later, generally know about the Holocaust and its causes. But the event is distant, and for some, not meaningful. In particular, young people in the eastern part of Germany have not been as well taught about the Holocaust as those in the west.
18 years ago Der Spiegel found that 25% of the German public is antisemitic. I would guess this statistic, if examined again, would prove at least the same as before in the nation. Jews that I know tell me that they have received criticisms at work, simply for being Jews.
Do you think Germans are more cognizant of Holocaust events than other people around the world?
Definitely. Only Jewish people exceed them in sensitivity to this subject. As I mentioned in my first answer, children are taught as a part of school curriculum how the Holocaust happened and who was responsible.
Dr. Jeff Brown is a long-time missionary to the country of Germany. Recently, he graciously granted me the time to interview him about his experiences in Germany relating to the Holocaust. Below are the questions and his responses. Enjoy!
Are there any ways in which public perception of the Holocaust is unique or changing in Germany?
I am not current enough on this. I will answer as best I can. Most school children, since the 1980s have been well-taught about how the Holocaust took place and who was responsible. There is still an unspoken feeling of guilt on the part of most Germans about the responsibility of their nation in the event. There are quite a few youths in Germany who side with the neo-Nazi movement. They are also Holocaust deniers. But they are really a small percentage of the population. The amount of antisemitic activity (such as desecrating Jewish cemeteries) has increased in the past 6-8 years. Again, this represents a small minority of German youth. But it is growing (while at the same time the radical left is growing even more among youth in Germany). Political events of 70 years ago, or even 20 years ago have little meaning to many young people under age 30. So they don't take the lessons as seriously.
What is the attitude of German nationals you have interacted with towards the Holocaust? Do they relate personally to it? What is the general attitude towards Jewish people?
There is a three-fold answer to this question.
First, 20 years ago I often met older people who had lived through WWII, and who were positive about Hitler. They felt that the Jews had brought their fate upon themselves (the logic was twisted, but they believed it). I also met other people who spoke plainly about how evil the Hitler regime was, and how it was responsible for the murder of millions of Jewish people.
Second, the postwar generation (my generation) generally understands that what the Hitler regime did was an abomination, that it must never be allowed to happen again. They also usually answer that they are morally no better than their parents and grandparents. They simply know now from history not to repeat it. That is an honest answer. Then there are others in the postwar generation who are always defensive when the subject is brought up.
Third, the members of the Generation X and later, generally know about the Holocaust and its causes. But the event is distant, and for some, not meaningful. In particular, young people in the eastern part of Germany have not been as well taught about the Holocaust as those in the west.
18 years ago Der Spiegel found that 25% of the German public is antisemitic. I would guess this statistic, if examined again, would prove at least the same as before in the nation. Jews that I know tell me that they have received criticisms at work, simply for being Jews.
Do you think Germans are more cognizant of Holocaust events than other people around the world?
Definitely. Only Jewish people exceed them in sensitivity to this subject. As I mentioned in my first answer, children are taught as a part of school curriculum how the Holocaust happened and who was responsible.
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