First, it has definitely made me less naïve about the world in general. I did not know the many details of the holocaust, and I had no clue that it killed 11 million people of which 6 million were Jews. The videos and documentaries we watched really opened my eyes to the world and the horrible things that have happened in our history. The last documentary we watched of all the dead bodies and the Nazi’s carrying them out to large, open graves was extremely disturbing, but also necessary because it exposed me to things I feel I needed to see. I was very naïve to think that the Nazi’s we just evil people to begin with. This class taught me how easily it was for people to succumb to a leader and be completely brainwashed. I learned how Hitler had programs to brain wash the youth of Germany by giving speeches and making them join clubs like the Hitler Youth, and others. I was naïve to think that most of the world didn’t know what was actually occurring in Nazi Germany, but now I know the truth about how most of the world just stood by and didn’t do anything. I believe I was naïve to think that the Jews could have found some way to escape this horror or find a way out, but after taking this course I realized that was impossible. I believe that the movie “They Grey Zone” really showed how impossible that would be. I feel as if I was very naive before taking this class and I didn’t really have a concept of the horrors that have occurred in our world, but this class has really opened my eyes and shown me the truth behind the holocaust.
I believe this course has also benefited me as a student in the fact that it has actually made me care about what I’m learning. Like I said earlier, I have learned more in this half year course than I have in any other course I’ve taken throughout high school. The videos and discussions we had actually made me interested in what we learned. I believe that the course is set up in a great way to go from segregation, to the Armenian genocide, to finally the holocaust. I liked that we had guest speakers and had big class discussions and different activities. It kept me engaged the whole time, I felt as if there was never a dull moment in this course. The videos to me were the most interesting. I believe the videos selected were great, and they really helped to see the Holocaust from all perspectives (the Jews, the Nazis, etc.). I think that they really affected me, and made me excited to return to class the next day. I found “Boy in the Striped Pajamas” to be one of the most interesting and heart breaking movies we watched. When we finished it, I found myself thinking about the movie for the rest of the day. This happened with many of the films we watched but this one in particular. I found myself asking other people if they had seen it, and recommending they watch it because of how extremely powerful it was. I realized I really care about what I’m learning in this class and I’m also motivated and interested to do so.
I believe the most important thing that I learned in this class is to not be a bystander. I never would have put a connection between bullying and the holocaust until now. Truthfully this class has taught me that bystanders are the most important people because they are the ones who can really make a difference and change the outcome. It’s unbelievable and horrific at the same time to see how millions of people all over the world stood by and just simply watched the extermination of millions of people and no one did anything about it. So many lives could have been saved if people listened and took action, but they just decided to turn their heads the other way. This, in some way, relates to the world now, especially with high school students. Kids are constantly tormented and bullied to the point where some even commit suicide. I can say that I’ve never bullied anyone, but I may have been a bystander at some point in my life. After taking this course, I know that I will never be a bystander again. People simply don’t realize how much their actions effect others, or how not doing anything is just as bad as being the one committing the bullying. I had a really hard time in middle school, and when I was picked on no one said anything. Luckily, my parents were there for me and they transferred me to another, smaller school where I adjusted pretty well. Sadly, lots of children don’t have parents who would do that, or who even realize what their child is going through. In that case, the bystanders are the ones who can make a tremendous difference. This course should not only be offered to freshman and sophomores, but I believe it should be required. I honestly think it could make a huge difference in many children’s lives and make the school in general a better place.
I truly believe this course has benefited me as a person and I know I will never forget what I learned in this course. The videos and discussions we had will stick with me forever, and hopefully help me to be a better person in general. I hope that this course has had the same impact on all of the other students who have taken this course so that we together can help make sure nothing like the Holocaust ever occurs in history again.
