Was wir von Goldhagen lernen konnen

Article Abstract:

The combination of an absurd ideology and a totalitarian regime elevated the antisemitism of the 1930s to the unquestioned murderous persecution of Jews. According to Daniel Jonah Goldhagen's book "Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust", factors other than peer pressure and occasional excesses were at play during a time of extreme ideology. Germans were ready to eliminate the threat of the Jewish community after having internalized the worthlessness of such an enemy.

Psychological aspects, Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), Political aspects, National socialism

---

Being a Jewish American Germanist after Goldhagen: a response to Herbert Lehnert, "Was wir von Goldhagen lernen konnen."(response to Herbert Lehnert, German Quarterly vol. 70, p. 57-64, Winter 1997)

Article Abstract:

Professor Herbert Lehnert's assertion that Daniel Goldhagen's book, 'Hitler's Willing Executioners' is not influenced by his history and identification as the child of a Holocaust survivor is incorrect and fails to recognize the power of subjectivity within a narrative. Goldhagen's position as a Jew and his personal history adds a different level of meaning to his work. The book should be interpreted as a subjective blend of personal history and political and social essay.

Group identity, Social identity, Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in literature

---

Reply

Article Abstract:

Daniel Goldhagen's book, 'Hitler's Willing Executioners' offers a valuable study on the deadly impact of ideologies. Readers of Goldhagen's book should consider the work beyond its subjectivity and recognize its concern with national identity. Goldhagen's detachment in the work acts as an analysis of identity and the consequences of ideology rather than a personal testimonial.

Ideology

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Fret or fete? When terrorists attacked, it didn't take Philadelphians long to get back on the party circuit. Mr. Saturday night: David Iams' party column is our window on Philadelphia society
• Abstracts: Thailand in 2007: the struggle to control democracy. Thailand in 2006: Retreat to military rule. Change and continuity in the Thai political party system
• Abstracts: Politics, power and the Chinese maritime customs: The Qing restoration and the ascent of Robert Hart. Breaking the bonds of precedent: the 1905-6 Government Reform Commission and the remaking of the Qing central state
• Abstracts: "Governor, you're not going to like this." (Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge's appointment of Johnny Butler as secretary of Labor and Industry)
• Abstracts: Celebrating literature: literary festivals and the novel in 1997. From maison d'edition to librairie: the novel in 1995

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.