Or should I just try to learn more about it as long as I don't agree with them? Would that be looked upon unfavorably? Should I not disclose to anyone who my relatives are? I want to find out more, but fear what the response will be. On the other hand, if I don't tell someone that I have Nazi relatives, it could impede my research.
2007-08-19 08:50:25 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
You are not responsible for what your relatives did but I see no good reason to reveal your relationship unless it is absolutely necessary for some essential portion of your research.
There are many individuals whose parents, grandparents and other relatives were directly victimized by the Nazis as well as others who were indirectly victimized as a result of Nazi aggression. The atrocities committed by the Nazis are not easily forgiven and won’t be forgotten. You should try to conduct your research as objectively and basically from as disinterested a position as possible.
2007-08-19 09:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by tribeca_belle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm slightly confused as to what 'just try to learn more about it' actually means.
And why do you need to disclose the family history to do research?
You don't need to feel shame or guilt for what your relatives did, that's for sure.
But if you are on some level intrigued by your 'Nazi heritage' then I would suggest you stop now. Sometimes a little knowledge really is a dangerous thing.
2007-08-19 16:27:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason to be ashamed of your heritage, no matter what it is. You were in no way personally responsible for anything that happened.
But if you fear what the responses from other people might be, you can simply choose to only disclose that info to people whose business it is to know.
I would hope that any negative responses would be minimal -- just remember that if you ever have problems, that is simply the other person displaying their ignorance. Their actions say more about them than it would about you.
Good Luck with your project!!!! :)
2007-08-19 17:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by frenchy62 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the vast majority of Germans who joined the Nazi party had nothing to do with Nazi crimes. There is no reason to run away from your history, you certainly do not sound like a person who is embracing a Nazi philosophy and perhaps learning more about your family would be the best thing for you.
2007-08-19 16:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by Michael G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you or are you not a Nazi?
If I were Adolt Hitler's SON, I would not be responsible for his actions. You are not responsible for their actions. DO NOT ACCEPT GUILT FOR CRIMES YOU DID NOT COMMIT.
I am a white person, often blamed for slavery of black people, yet I committed no such crime (nor did my particular ancestors, being from New Hampshire, not that it matters to race-baiters).
As a male, I am often blamed for the actions of brutal, sexist, and chauvanistic men. I am none of those things, and not responsible for them.
As an American, I am often blamed for the bombing and invasion of Iraq. I have not contributed in any way, voluntarily, to such a thing.
Blame and guilt are tossed around, and often wrongly so. DO NOT ACCEPT BLAME OR GUILT THAT IS NOT YOURS.
Just be a good person.
2007-08-19 15:59:51 · answer #5 · answered by askthepizzaguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of us have relatives that did things that are shameful. It may be some of your relatives did awful damnable things but these people are not you, so you should have no reason to feel ashamed.
Speaking as a Christian: What we all should be ashamed about is our own sins, which are numerous and daily. We stand before God alone, not with our friends, nor with our relatives.
2007-08-19 16:02:07 · answer #6 · answered by Calvin 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd say that unless you are a Nazi, you shouldn't be ashamed of your heritage. Study it if you want, just don't lose sight of the fact that it was an evil movement that tricked a lot of people.
2007-08-19 16:07:27 · answer #7 · answered by Dan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you don't try and follow in their footsteps. The world cannot deny the nazis, it did happen and WWII was the result. And I would dare say if you look in the family tree of most people there are relations which are not the nicest in the world. You can always pick your friends and you can pick your enemies, its your family you cannot do much about.
2007-08-19 15:56:25 · answer #8 · answered by JFra472449 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unless you and your family are not active members in the the Nazi Party today, no problem.
If you and your family are active members, then you do have a problem. You might want to join the KKK also. If you are going to step in a pile of crap, do it with both feet.
2007-08-19 15:58:30 · answer #9 · answered by labdoctor 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would not be ashamed of your heritiage. But I would not feel the need to disclose it. I don't think that it will be accepted by most people and will do more negative against you than raise a few eyebrows.
2007-08-19 15:56:45 · answer #10 · answered by Mildred S 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋