Encountering Holocaust Denial
Grade Level: 9-12
Overview:
Defying reason and sense, some people say the Holocaust never took place or claim reports of it have been grossly exaggerated. These people refuse to accept physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, photographs, and the testimony of survivors. In this exercise students are asked to critically analyze the arguments of holocaust revisionists and reflect on the motivations behind Holocaust denial.
Time Frame: 3 hours
Objectives:
- Critically review the arguments of Holocaust deniers (revisionists).
- Look at sites that affirm what really happened in the Holocaust.
- Discover motives behind Holocaust denial.
Extensions:
- Discuss the extent to which, if at all, hate groups should be controlled or censored. Would the denial of First Amendment rights to such groups be more harmful than the damage done by their lies? Why or why not? Write an opinion essay.
- Go to http://www.wiesenthal.com/taskforce/skinhead.cfm and read the story of Thomas James (TJ) Leyden. Imagine you are assigned to interview Leyden about his former involvement with the skinheads. Draw up a list of questions you would ask.
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