I strongly disagree that one should not make comparisons to the Holocaust, or only do so rarely. Nor should one take offense merely because someone makes an inapt comparison to it--or, rather, one you happen to find inapt.
In fact, we should reference the Holocaust, as well as the few other historical events where we can agree people and governments committed atrocities. We are supposed to learn from the past. We cannot do so by shutting our minds to the idea that anything like what happened at particular place and time to certain groups cannot happen now. Indeed, that is part of your point.
Note that it is the fact that Carano posted the comparison that started an important conversation. If people are afraid to discuss the Holocaust, then people might not have the discussion. It is easy to avoid this chilling effect--let people speak. If they are wrong, others can disagree. Dialogue.
People have been trained view Holocaust comparisons as flawed, suspect, or possibly "offensive." Just people have been trained to view criticism of the state of Israel is suspect, often reflexively labeling it anti-Semitic. This is wrong. We cannot avoid repeating the past if we cannot think about it in connection with our present and future. We cannot have a free society without the freedom to think and discuss.
Thank you for this. I clicked through from here to HONY's Rwandan series, an incredibly difficult read. What you are doing by sharing these well-reasoned, caring, wise, and respectful musings is so important to the world as it is these days. I am grateful for you.
This is mostly a wonderful essay.
I strongly disagree that one should not make comparisons to the Holocaust, or only do so rarely. Nor should one take offense merely because someone makes an inapt comparison to it--or, rather, one you happen to find inapt.
In fact, we should reference the Holocaust, as well as the few other historical events where we can agree people and governments committed atrocities. We are supposed to learn from the past. We cannot do so by shutting our minds to the idea that anything like what happened at particular place and time to certain groups cannot happen now. Indeed, that is part of your point.
Note that it is the fact that Carano posted the comparison that started an important conversation. If people are afraid to discuss the Holocaust, then people might not have the discussion. It is easy to avoid this chilling effect--let people speak. If they are wrong, others can disagree. Dialogue.
People have been trained view Holocaust comparisons as flawed, suspect, or possibly "offensive." Just people have been trained to view criticism of the state of Israel is suspect, often reflexively labeling it anti-Semitic. This is wrong. We cannot avoid repeating the past if we cannot think about it in connection with our present and future. We cannot have a free society without the freedom to think and discuss.
Beautifully written. Let us pray that better angels will prevail over the demons who are fomenting hate everywhere.
Really well thought out and presented. You really got to the point of how such historical horrors begin so incrementally.
In a genuine way, by sticking up for that actress, you lit a candle in dark times.
Moving, and gently but forcefully argued. Brilliant.
Thank you for this. I clicked through from here to HONY's Rwandan series, an incredibly difficult read. What you are doing by sharing these well-reasoned, caring, wise, and respectful musings is so important to the world as it is these days. I am grateful for you.