Subtle Danger

A military friend who lives in Germany wrote of her family’s visit to the Nazi Documentation Museum in Nuremberg, including a news clip from CNN of German Chancellor Angela Merkel proclaiming Germany’s dedication and vigilance in protecting targeted groups and institutions–their resoluteness more important due to Germany’s history (CNN.com “Angela Merkel warns against dark forces on the rise in Europe”). All countries, including the United States, must practice the same diligence.

World War II, like any war, exposed humanity’s worst inclinations; however, the countless volumes of work recounting the horrors of World War II highlight the most frightening realization of Hitler’s rise to power wasn’t a matter of storming through the country one night and taking over. He advanced due to the incremental “victories” within the German population. He systematically weakened communities by slowly limiting the freedoms of certain populations. There were those who resisted and aided others, those who were silent, and those who turned on their neighbors, choosing their own, short-lived freedom.

In hindsight, it’s simple to be judgmental, believing we would hold ourselves to a higher standard, yet their sure destruction is so easy to imagine. We see it happening today. Some believe their religion, race, culture, language, or ideology–to name a few–deserves more regard. When our own worldview is projected, we rally around with our support, denouncing all others. It’s a slippery slope, to be sure. There are causes to rally around.

At worst, it’s a recipe for disaster; at best, it’s a time for caution. The dismal fact is what happened in Germany can happen anywhere. When we decide that we’re better than someone else–for whatever reason–we become obstacles to understanding, appreciating, and, yes, tolerating our diversity, not to mention the strength those differences create.

In today’s climate, it’s time to realize that we’re surrounded by subtle danger, and sometimes, not-so-subtle danger, the small-mindedness, injustice, and passivity. The solution may be to consider the treatment of others as a reflection and treatment of ourselves, our goal to eradicate the manifestation of “little” injustices. If we consider a right taken from one to be an attack on our own rights, we will make just decisions for each other and our country. It started small.

Quote of the Day:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King, Jr.