How can people be so cruel? Holocaust survivor Howard Chandler said this to the CWB cohort on Wednesday evening. I may be paraphrasing a bit, but that is pretty close. He was telling the cohort his story and speaking about some of the horrible atrocities committed against him and other victims by the nazi’s, collaborators, and other perpetrators. In times leading up to, during, and in the aftermath of ww2, people of Jewish faith, those of different sexual orientation, gypsies, those with other political views, and others, were made to feel and treated as un-human.
Fast forward to present day, almost 80 years from the end of the 2nd world war. We are still seeing examples daily of people being treated in un-human ways. This happens in our communities, at our schools, on our campuses, in our supermarkets. Ways that are very cruel. Ways that go against the tenets of any religion and basic human decency.
When I heard Howard speak the previously mentioned words, I take his words as a challenge. How can each of us make a difference in our walk of life? At our schools, on our campuses, in our businesses, in our communities, in our life! It will look different for everyone. Let’s face it, education is the only way that the trajectory is going to change for the better. It certainly will not be the politicians, so, it is going to have to be us, the educators! Each and every one of us must step up and take on this challenge. Control what each of us can control, but, it may mean that we need to push this. That means….we MUST lead on this! Don’t allow it to happen in your classroom and in your presence. Shut it down and then show them……the why…..it is wrong and harmful. Show your communities how we, together, can make a difference!