2.23.15

One wonders how the Nazis and other Germans could possibly have carried out the horrific acts demanded of them, even if they did in fact learn to hate the Jews. Some scholars explain their collaboration in terms of “deindividuation”: a loss of individuality as one becomes submerged in the group, which leads to lessened self-awareness and weakened restraint against harmful acts. Can you think of instances when you experienced a reduced self-awareness due to membership in a cohesive group?
 * WU: Individuality vs. Group Mentality **

Other scholars focus on the excuse given by many people who went along with horrific massacres: “I was only following orders.” At what point do people bear a responsibility for their own actions, even when ordered to commit an act by a “legitimate authority”?

Discussion

HW: Final reading journal entry due Thursday/Friday
 * ANY late Memoir assignment components will be accepted next class. After that, I will not accept any late work related to the Memoir.