Homework (due Wed. Feb. 4th): Read Ch. 7 and 8 and respond in writing to the following questions below.
Warning: These chapters contain graphic material that may be upsetting to read.
How did some men evade participation and what were the consequences? In what ways did the men rationalize their participation – and equally telling, what reasons did they not use (or use rarely) to justify their actions? Did Browning’s findings surprise you, or reinforce what you already knew? Reflect on the significance of your responses.
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Throughout chapters 7 and 8, many of the men backed out of their duty when it came to shooting innocent women and children, their disagreements with the Nazi party, or because they felt they were too dedicated to their friendship with the Jews. However, when it came to being the first to retreat from their position in the mass shootings, they were also embarrassed by being considered a coward. According to one man, ‘no one wants to be thought a coward,’ and that is why several of the men did not retreat until they had already executed many people or had at least tried (72). Reputation seemed to be an important thing among these men, but apparently, they weren’t “man enough” to handle going on with their violent shootings because they had a weak stomach or other some other excuse to get them out of doing the ‘dirty work’ (77). It wasn’t too surprising that several of the men felt guilty about their shootings at innocent Jews. Although they are humans and felt obligated to do their job (and under the impression that if they didn’t they were cowards,) what happened at these sites were horrible and I still don’t believe these people can be forgiven for backing out after already killing even one person.
ReplyDeletechristina