As a Jew, I would not want to own this, myself. There's just something about it that makes me cringe - of course, the history/story behind it, but also just having it in my house... I think the only thing that would make me cringe would be finding out WHO bought it and WHY. I hope it was a teacher or a museum.
I feel the same way. Context becomes a huge issue with an historical artifact like this. It's clearly important and a potentially powerful teaching tool, but I also cringe thinking this could wind up in some neo-Nazi's collection. I guess there's only so much one can do about that....
Erica, I understand your point of view, but this is an important historical symbol. We can never forget what happened. This is physical proof that the Holocaust did happen. It would be no different than owning the pistol that killed Lincoln, or an actual photograph of an African-American lynching. We must save these reminders so that people remember the horror, the pain, the lack of humanity.
my issue is with someone making a profit on the sale. i agree that it's history, a reminder, an artifact, etc, etc, but that someone might make a buck on the holocaust turns my stomach; it could just as easily be donated somewhere.
As a Jew, I would not want to own this, myself. There's just something about it that makes me cringe - of course, the history/story behind it, but also just having it in my house... I think the only thing that would make me cringe would be finding out WHO bought it and WHY. I hope it was a teacher or a museum.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Context becomes a huge issue with an historical artifact like this. It's clearly important and a potentially powerful teaching tool, but I also cringe thinking this could wind up in some neo-Nazi's collection. I guess there's only so much one can do about that....
ReplyDeleteErica, I understand your point of view, but this is an important historical symbol. We can never forget what happened. This is physical proof that the Holocaust did happen. It would be no different than owning the pistol that killed Lincoln, or an actual photograph of an African-American lynching. We must save these reminders so that people remember the horror, the pain, the lack of humanity.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry about a neo-Nazi owning this. I would be more concerned that they would destroy it. I support John's comments.
ReplyDeleteSML
I would like to have own it, mostly because my family on my fathers side is part of that history. It´s a reminder as John writes.
ReplyDeletemy issue is with someone making a profit on the sale. i agree that it's history, a reminder, an artifact, etc, etc, but that someone might make a buck on the holocaust turns my stomach; it could just as easily be donated somewhere.
ReplyDelete