A History Student Speaks About the Holocaust

What is the origin of the guilt, then?

this was a duplicate - i don't know how to delete it.

The origin of the guilt is the fact that I'm still part of the human race. The fact that humanity could do that do one another and that we forget more times than we should what happened.

But the history of the human race abounds with such events for many thousands of years. Are you going to take the weight of all the individual misdeeds on your shoulders?

Impossible.

It's individuals that do it, not the 'human race'.

I cannot relate to 'adopted guilt'. I am guilty if I do wrong. Full stop.

I'm sorry I don't feel that way, but thank you for sharing your thoughts anyway.

What a powerful piece! I tremble when I read it. The last lines are perfect because they arise so much controversy.

Is it a historian that developed a somewhat intimate relationship with that part of the history and says

'I was not there.

Yet I cannot hide the guilt
I feel, sitting in the pit of my stomach.'

Or is it a German person that somehow feels guilty for what the Nazis did to the world back then?

Or is it a child of a fallen soldier?

That's the thing- who is the person that wrote these lines?

This poem is very mysterious and yet very open. The balance is simply perfect and the use of 'guilt' is overwhelming. This poem was a joy to read. Well done.

Nathan.

Indeed. Who is the narrator? An extremely interesting point.

Well done, Magic. 'Mysterious, yet open.' Couldn't have put it better myself:-)

Tina xxx

Thank you so much for your feed back Tina and Nathan! That's the thing, the Holocaust has affected so many people for whatever reason and this poem is for all of them!

Magic xxx

I think it affects everyone as they learn about it in their teenage years. But there is something in what Salo says - there are people who get so consumed with adopting the guilt of the world that they cannot see clearly what is needed now, and then they cannot act. We should learn from history and move on, not become obsessed by it (not that I'm suggesting you are MM!)

There is something in seeing all human potential that amazes, and shocks us, causes one to ask what would i have done in this or that situation, and a natural uncertainty gives rise to all sorts of feelings - there was a sociological experiment in the 70's i think, forget the name - scientist types in white coats asked volunteer types to turn a button giving electric shocks to other volunteer types sitting through a glass panel, in view. There was no electricity (the button turners didnt know this) but most, ie nearly everyone continued turning the button under instruction to the end, even though the other volunteer types had been told to react as if they were receiving shocks, and the button monitor read mild, danger, fatal etc.

Most people believe they are exceptionally moral and independent - most people have not been tested.

re guilt, from whomever is narrating another Magic poem, collective/individual responsibilty, shame, guilt (and also survivors guilt) are real and complex human things - this poem touches on that, ditto tony - well done Magic :o) ditty xx

Wow, I never realised this poem would provoke such a response! I agree with everything you've said Tony and ld! Yes, there was an experiment, you're quite right - by Stanley Milgram in 1963, we're learning about it in psychology. And I agree that such human behaviour is so complex and beyond the understanding of most of us!

Magic xxx

63, stanley milgram - cheers magic, my memory is faulty often, thanks, ive been wanting to read about that exp. again for 20 years! thanks :))

hi, i REALLY love your poem so i was wondering if i could use it on my holocaust memorial poster for a school homework? of course i would put your name underneath it. i just really think it's lovely and worth being mentioned on my poster.

Hello Clara, I've sent you an e-mail - hope you get it! If not, yes of course you may use my poem. I'm so late in getting back to you I know, but there's no alerts on comments so I didn't realise you'd commented!

Rebecca x

thanky you very very very much! i really do admire your work!!!
clara xx

I've done it again! Sorry Clara, just found your comment! So was it too late or have you managed to use my poem on your poster? Is there any chance you could scan it in a e-mail me a copy?

Rebecca xxx