Why should we care? Isn’t this ancient history and has no meaning?
No, it not only is relevant- it explains more than just what the study revealed.
The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (in its 49th year) was curious how American Adults (those under the age of 40) understood the Holocaust and its ramifications. So, they commissioned Schoen Cooperman to survey some 11000 folks (ages 18 to 39) in the 50 states. (Yes, DC- you were skipped. You aren’t a state. And, yes, they know that it exceeds the population of Wyoming by 50%.)
Holocaust Knowledge Click the link to see survey results
It’s now 75 years since the (open) secret has been fully revealed. Which means, because of the lapse of time- as opposed to when I was growing up- there’s virtually no survivors around to tell their stories. When I was younger, I knew thousands who survived. (Many of my elementary school teachers were among them.) Now- getting a first hand account is a real chore.
Which means the Jewish chant of Never Again (which is echoed by most Western countries) falls on deaf forthe younger generations. Because if one doesn’t know what it was, then “never again” makes no sense at all. It also explains why anti-Semitism (especially in the South) is on the rise- because few recall its origin (or why what is happening in the US echoes the early days of Germany- back when Hitler really did win [or managed the vote to appear to win] control of the government).
I was surprised that Maryland almost matched Arkansas with its dearth of knowledge. So much for my first guesses. (55% knew NO concentration camps, death camps, or ghettos. 65% had no clue that Hitler exterminated 6 million Jews.)
My own place of residence (Virginia) wasn’t a place to crow about either. 63% had no clue how many Jews were exterminated and 48% lacked the knowledge of the places where it happened.
But, that’s NOT what alarmed me. 11% of Virginians and 13% of Marylanders believed Jews caused the Holocaust. And, across the States, about half (49%) know folks who deny the Holocaust ever occurred and have also seen Nazi symbology recently.)
It’s clear that much work must be done to ensure the Holocaust can never recur.
Learning from history is one of the most important things we can teach our children. As parents and grandparents, WE must take that task as our responsibility – not wait for schools or society to make it happen. There are many books available (and movies, documentaries, museum displays etc.) to use as a jumping-off point to talk about the Holocaust – it just takes intentionality.
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Absolutely correct, Lori. Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
I’m not really surprised at the statistics. I have heard of this before. We’re living in a different world. Education is different. As you say, there’s no one to tell the stories. Young people today seemed to be of a different mindset. Isn’t it our fault? Recently I came across the name Laguardia. He was the mayor of NYC. He had a sister Gemma LaGuardia Gluck who survived the Holocaust. There’s a book, Fiorello’s Sister: Gemma La Guardia Gluck’s Story. I’m still very interested in history. I’ve ordered the book. Waiting for it to come from the UK.
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That could be interesting, Lily.
These statistics are SO shocking!!! And alarming. But yes, it does help to explain why it is on the rise. But if they don’t know what happened, how do they even now what a Nazi is? It’s very hard to believe. I’m not sure I completely believe in this much ignorance!
It’s seems that the same ignorance applies to the US and slavery, Jeanine…
Its important we teach history to our kids and as many people as possible.India was invaded multiple times,the Delhi Sultantate ,the Mughals,then the British.Massacares,riots ,and genocides happened.Forgetiing history is the best way to ensure its repeated.Sharing about holocaust is important.
I’m with you- including the Indian experience, Dr. A.
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Thanks!
We must teach history and it is our job as parents – not just the schools. Arkansas doesn’t surprise me (I lived in Arkansas for several years.) New York does surprise (and sadden) me. My son took two years of German and a Holocaust elective course in his upstate NY high school (this was about 13 years ago) and already, there was so much general ignorance about the Holocaust. Thankfully, his high school stepped up. How many others do? And now, with our remaining Holocaust survivors dying of old age (and COVID) daily, education is more imperative than ever.
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I’m with you 100% on this, Alana!