Elie Wiesel And Niemoller Analysis
Indifference is such a powerful weapon that most people rarely realize they are using daily. It is more commonly defined as disinterest or apathy. If one is not careful, it can lead to destruction. When people view others as indifferent, it dehumanizes them and puts them at lower standard than everyone else. Unity is broken when individuals are no longer thought of as equals and causes great distress in a country. Both Elie Wiesel and Niemoller take a stand against indifference to inspire others to do the same.
In 1986, Elie Wiesel got on stage to accept his Nobel Peace Prize after writing about his experience in Auschwitz during the terrible genocide. Throughout his acceptance speech, he defines indifference as silence. Elaborating …show more content…
In just seven short lines, one can see how quickly indifference affects people. He writes in lines one, three, and five that he chose not to speak out because he was not one of them. He finally sees what it feels like to not have anyone stand up for him in line 7. This shows both ends of indifference and how it is dangerous.
The dangers of indifference come like an unexpected flood. Elie and Niemoller recognize the impact of silence and have experienced it themselves. For the poet, he chose to not speak out and as a consequence, no one was there to save him. He set himself up for destruction. Wiesel says, “ Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” because so many people did not speak up and it resulted in a mass murder. If people had not been silent, the Holocaust and many other genocides may have been avoided and innocent lives saved.
In more recent cases, Professor Mohammed Dajani has taken a stand also. He fought indifference to allow his Palestinian students a chance to visit Auschwitz in Poland. Putting aside the fact that Israel and his country are at odds, Dajani speaks out and defends his right of education to teach his students about the Holocaust. In paragraph 17, he says, “ We went there for education, and we believe that there are no restrictions over education.” in response to the many disagreeing
In 1986, Elie Wiesel got on stage to accept his Nobel Peace Prize after writing about his experience in Auschwitz during the terrible genocide. Throughout his acceptance speech, he defines indifference as silence. Elaborating …show more content…
In just seven short lines, one can see how quickly indifference affects people. He writes in lines one, three, and five that he chose not to speak out because he was not one of them. He finally sees what it feels like to not have anyone stand up for him in line 7. This shows both ends of indifference and how it is dangerous.
The dangers of indifference come like an unexpected flood. Elie and Niemoller recognize the impact of silence and have experienced it themselves. For the poet, he chose to not speak out and as a consequence, no one was there to save him. He set himself up for destruction. Wiesel says, “ Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” because so many people did not speak up and it resulted in a mass murder. If people had not been silent, the Holocaust and many other genocides may have been avoided and innocent lives saved.
In more recent cases, Professor Mohammed Dajani has taken a stand also. He fought indifference to allow his Palestinian students a chance to visit Auschwitz in Poland. Putting aside the fact that Israel and his country are at odds, Dajani speaks out and defends his right of education to teach his students about the Holocaust. In paragraph 17, he says, “ We went there for education, and we believe that there are no restrictions over education.” in response to the many disagreeing