I had my deepest moment of reflection during our tour at the EL-DE Haus. Back home we obviously grew up hearing about the horrors of Nazi Germany and World War II, but getting a more in-depth history as told directly by German citizens while standing directly where it happened was an extremely grounding and uncanny experience. I was pleasantly surprised to see that even though there are very few people left that were alive during WWII, the anti-Nazi sentiment and willingness take accountability for what took place is very much alive today. Walking around Bonn and other German cities I wasn't expecting to see advertisements opposing Hitler and National Socialism. I've seen a lot of regular citizens, both young and old carry pins and stickers that read, "F*** Nazis," and "Hitler? Nein danke," as well as graffiti in different parts of the city sharing that same sentiment. I feel like although many countries have their fair share of awful, unethical histories we often see their actions as nothing but a dark blot of the past. Something distant and disconnected from our reality now. Being in the EL-DE Haus I felt like Germans see their history very differently.
Having never been to Europe before this program, all the history that I’ve heard felt somewhat distant and difficult to conceptualize. That is, until I was standing directly in the prison cells used by the Nazis and walking streets once destroyed by World War II bombs. Being in the place where the Gestapo operated and where innocent people were incarcerated, tortured, and executed caused feelings of deep sadness, anger, and confusion. Even now I fail to understand how such a wide, hateful, and harmful movement could spread across an entire country over only a few years. I’ve realized, however, that the willingness to confront shame and take responsibility, while continuing to educate the public and preserve places like the EL-DE Haus in their postwar state is powerful. It serves as a way to humanize and give a voice to all the lives lost as well as a cautionary tale to prevent something similar from ever happening again.
Here's an advertisement I'm sure many of you have seen while commuting in Bonn.
Hi Michelle! I also have noticed the public display of hatred for Nazism in Germany as well. Standing on the grounds where men and women of the resistance (or just caught on the wrong side of the war) were executed was an unsettling experience. A lot of pain was felt there, and you have a good heart for being able to recognize that.
ReplyDeleteThe EL-DE Haus tour was truly eye opening and I am glad you shared your experience with us, I enjoyed reading it. I think it is really important that the Germans feel and talk about the Nazis the way they do. They do what others often find difficult: confront their past mistakes with the aim of educating their citizens and ensuring such mistakes are never repeated.
ReplyDeleteI agree Michelle, I find it amazing how they take accountability and constantly tell their children the history of their country. I respect the Germans so much in this regard that they constantly acknowledge their history instead of sweeping it under the rug. I wish that the United States would also be more open with all of its history from what it did to POC and immigrants. This trip has taught me that history should be front and center.
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