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What do you agree with...keep quiet or be active?

posted 12 years ago by noirgirl
6 replies | jump to latest

The luncheon scene was interesting when Mr. Minify's friend said that writing about it would stir up more trouble. What do you think, whether you are Jewish or not? Does centuries of being a target make you correct to say that, for your own self-protection? Are the Gentiles (in this case) being oblivious to the threat to the Jews, in their zeal to wipe out a wrong, although well-meaning and sincere? I'd love to hear from some of you as to what you think.

I'm Catholic; I say write about it, but in such a way that reprisals would be a punished action.

[–] ProudTraitor 12 years ago

The right thing to do is step back a bit, and find out the true underlying cause of the social problem. That's something so few people do, because they are so indoctrinated and don't see outside the box.

[–] cinecephale 10 years ago

I don't think the David says this for the Jews. He says that in general, if you keep silent when seing antisemism, you are somehow an accomplice. I think it is true. It is easy to just speak, and be confortable in your own little world where everybody agree with you. But it is how you act when you are confronted with real problems that counts. That is what he explain to Kathy. She wants things to change, but she don't want any consequences for herself. She doesn't want to be implicated. That is not possible.

[–] ib011f9545i 10 years ago

It is easy for us to say that we would do this or that in theoretical situations but in real life it is sometimes more difficult.

Suppose your boss makes a racist joke,do you make a fuss knowing that promotions are lay offs are coming up?
I think the context of the film is interesting,even in the liberal circles the film is set in people have negative views of jews.
Imagine that the film was set in a factory or in the deep south,or among really poor desperate people?

[–] AprilValen 10 years ago

It is easy for us to say that we would do this or that in theoretical situations but in real life it is sometimes more difficult.

Nobody ever said standing up for what is right is easy. This film had a huge influence on my when I saw it as a kid. I've applied it to everyday life ever since. Whether it's prejudice against Jewish people, black people or gay people, if someone says something I find wrong, I won't stand by and be complicit. Even if it meant losing my job.

I started volunteering at an HIV/AIDS group in the early 80s and some of my friends thought that was wrong. Didn't stop me and I would do it again.

[–] oldmaddog 10 years ago

There are consequences for not acting or speaking up as well.
You will feel better in the long run if you speak up and are laid off or even attacked for doing what's right. We're in the situation we're in BECAUSE we don't make wave.
How would things have been in Germany if the people had spoken their minds, or even acted on their beliefs?
I want to believe there are good people everywhere, the problem is that to many of us are sheep.
What if the Jews hadn't turned the other cheek at every opportunity. (See Dave in this movie, actually.)

As an aside, anyone who has ever been around sheep is mystified at some of their 'doings', such as following each other blindly to slaughter, or laying down and dieing for no other reason than having given up on life over some minor problem, but all we have to do is look at ourselves critically. You really have to know sheep to understand why people are compared to them.

[–] jimprideaux2 8 years ago

I think different situations call for different responses from different people. The movie made many good points and active responses are fine for those wanting to do that. But if the message was every one needs to be active I disagree. I would argue for the acceptability of a more non-confrontational approach. Hear a racist joke just don't laugh. If the crowd engages in racist talk seek out others to talk with. Word will get around that you do not approve of that kinda talk without you resorting to becoming the neighborhood scold ready to deliver a lecture at the slightest opportunity.