I found the Visual History Archive very informative. When I first logged on I was having a little difficulty learning how to properly navigate through the different search engines, but after about 20 minutes or so I got the hang of it. Once I figured the website out I began to look at the category with the stories of people who had witnessed eugenics first hand. Their stories were shocking and painful to listen to, but I was not able to find any witness accounts about whether or not any people with mental or physical disabilities were rescued. I was a little disappointed because I have had the question about if any effort was made to save people with disabilities, ever since I began studying the Holocaust.
Although I was not able to find too much information about the first subject I researched, I was able to find many stories about the Romas that survived. I focused on the story of Julia Lentini. Julia Lentini was 14 when she arrived at Aushwitz with her family (her parents and her 7 siblings). Her family had traveled around Germany and met many people that they had befriended, but they were primarily living biedenkopf; until one day the Nazis and the mayor arrived at their door step, told them to pack a few bags and that their "family tree" was being investigated. Julia and her family were able to stay in the same are of the camp. Unfortunately, her mother died after 3 months, followed by her father, then her sister. Despite heartbreaking loss, Julia Lentini survived and went on to have a family of her own.
Julia's story was very enlightening for me because I had never really heard a story like hers before. Even though I had only watched about an hour and a half of the video I could see that she was a strong woman. I hope to learn more about her and others like her soon.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Besa
Besa was a remarkable story that not only inspired me, but made me think about the holocaust in a way that I had never thought about it before. Although Albania is a small country, it changed peoples lives tremendously just for the sake of doing the right thing. When the Jews needed refuge the Albanians provided it and even went a step further by giving them homes.
To me a home is a place where a person can feel safe and loved. For the Albanian people to do that for the Jews is above and beyond the call of duty. To be shown hospitality in such cruel circumstances changes a person by showing them that even though the world can be dark, hope and love can still exist. Besa exemplified that by following an Albanian man whose father kept a Jewish mans most sacred possession, religious books, with the promise that he would return them someday. The Albanian man searched almost his whole life, even risking his own life, for the owner of the books until he found him. When the books were returned to the rightful owner, the gratitude and love that bonded these two men was so heartwarming and indescribable.
Besa inspired me to evaluate my own life and find out what my besa is worth.
To me a home is a place where a person can feel safe and loved. For the Albanian people to do that for the Jews is above and beyond the call of duty. To be shown hospitality in such cruel circumstances changes a person by showing them that even though the world can be dark, hope and love can still exist. Besa exemplified that by following an Albanian man whose father kept a Jewish mans most sacred possession, religious books, with the promise that he would return them someday. The Albanian man searched almost his whole life, even risking his own life, for the owner of the books until he found him. When the books were returned to the rightful owner, the gratitude and love that bonded these two men was so heartwarming and indescribable.
Besa inspired me to evaluate my own life and find out what my besa is worth.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Man's Search for Meaning to p.94
Frankl begins this section by describing how art was used as a means of distraction for the prisoners and the Capos. Art; such as "songs, poems, and jokes"(41) allowed the prisoners to set aside the torment they were experiencing constantly and embrace a little moment of freedom. While living in the camps, the men had to suppress pieces of their identities out of fear of doing or saying the wrong thing and getting punished, but for the short time allotted the men could freely express themselves.
As Frankl continues to talk about the art that existed in the camp he makes a sharp turn in tone when describing a party in the senior warden's hut and the music that was playing because he was reminded that it was (or would have been) his wife's 24th birthday. The shift in tone reminds the readers just how much the prisoners missed out on and how brief distractions would last.
In addition as the section progresses Frankl elaborates on the effects of the mental abuse each prisoner experienced. The daily abuse the Capos inflicted on the men dehumanized them. They developed an "inferiority complex"(62) which was highlighted by the sort of hierarchy that developed in the camp. "Good" prisoners would be promoted into better jobs, dividing the prisoners and deepening the conflict between them. Despite the external and internal conflicts that were present Frankl states that it is possible for "man [to] preserve a vestige of spiritual freedom, of independence of mind, even in such terrible conditions of psychic and physical stress"(65). Frankl wants the readers to know that even in the most despicable circumstances meaning can be found.
As Frankl continues to talk about the art that existed in the camp he makes a sharp turn in tone when describing a party in the senior warden's hut and the music that was playing because he was reminded that it was (or would have been) his wife's 24th birthday. The shift in tone reminds the readers just how much the prisoners missed out on and how brief distractions would last.
In addition as the section progresses Frankl elaborates on the effects of the mental abuse each prisoner experienced. The daily abuse the Capos inflicted on the men dehumanized them. They developed an "inferiority complex"(62) which was highlighted by the sort of hierarchy that developed in the camp. "Good" prisoners would be promoted into better jobs, dividing the prisoners and deepening the conflict between them. Despite the external and internal conflicts that were present Frankl states that it is possible for "man [to] preserve a vestige of spiritual freedom, of independence of mind, even in such terrible conditions of psychic and physical stress"(65). Frankl wants the readers to know that even in the most despicable circumstances meaning can be found.
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