The Holocaust is viewed by only its surface value, a depressing recollection of discrimination and abuse, by an outstanding majority of the population. Although this historical event is definitely not a joyous occasion to be celebrated it still holds importance beyond all the sorrow. In order to further reflect on the Holocaust society must divulge how the tragedy provides insight, its relevance today, and why survivor testimonies are essential to understanding this event. Often history scholars rely on textbooks and other sources with concrete evidence to piece together events from the Holocaust. Memories are frequently cast aside as unreliable, subjective sources of information. In an article about History, Memory and the Genre of Testimony,
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Gilbert in his article claims, “Too many scars had been inflicted, too much blood had been spilled, for 8 May 1945 to mark the end of the story, or the end of the tragedy for the two thousand survivors of the ghettos, camps, and death marches” (Gilbert, 1987, p.67) Martin Gilbert illustrates the sense of urgency that can be inflicted on individuals discuss the atrocities of the Holocaust. Not gaining some academic, spiritual, or other type of value from this tragedy would be injustice to the survivors and those who were lost. Learning how tragedy provides insight, the value the Holocaust holds to individuals today, and the importance of testimony illuminates the idea that humans are capable of far more than they imagine. Humans are able to inflict positive or negative change and with this power comes great responsibility to think beyond ourselves about the greater good because nothing of value will be gained easily. Therefore, it is acceptable as well as essential to question the importance of learning about The Holocaust, but it is ignorant to assume there is no purpose without
Gilbert in his article claims, “Too many scars had been inflicted, too much blood had been spilled, for 8 May 1945 to mark the end of the story, or the end of the tragedy for the two thousand survivors of the ghettos, camps, and death marches” (Gilbert, 1987, p.67) Martin Gilbert illustrates the sense of urgency that can be inflicted on individuals discuss the atrocities of the Holocaust. Not gaining some academic, spiritual, or other type of value from this tragedy would be injustice to the survivors and those who were lost. Learning how tragedy provides insight, the value the Holocaust holds to individuals today, and the importance of testimony illuminates the idea that humans are capable of far more than they imagine. Humans are able to inflict positive or negative change and with this power comes great responsibility to think beyond ourselves about the greater good because nothing of value will be gained easily. Therefore, it is acceptable as well as essential to question the importance of learning about The Holocaust, but it is ignorant to assume there is no purpose without