Nazi Atrocities, Committed by Ordinary People
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(Der Speigel, March 18, 2008) The article "Nazi Atrocities, Committed by Ordinary People" explains research that shows how Germans and Austrians from all walks of life helped the Nazis carry out the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. Some of the perpetrators were teachers, pastors, dentists, and singers. Some were members of the Nazis party and others were not. At this point in their research process, scholars estimate that at least 200,000 individuals were perpetrators of violence.
May 14, 2008
Discussion Questions
- How do "ordinary" people become perpetrators of violence and hatred?
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What does this research tell us about human behavior?
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According to the research cited in the article, some of the people who carried out crimes did so voluntarily, while others did so under orders by an authority figure. Do those differences matter ethically? Should they matter legally? Should those who perpetrated violence under orders be judged in the same way as those who committed crimes voluntarily? Why or why not?
Note: The media selections posted in Facing Today do not necessarily represent the views of Facing History and Ourselves.
