This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Friday, April 5, 2013
PERIOD 4 - THE SWING KIDS
For the past two days you have been watching "The Swing Kids." What did you learn from the film that you didn't know before and what did you think was the most important message of the film?
31 comments:
Nick Pham
said...
Before watching the film, I had now known that there was a sort of counterculture ("swing" culture) which opposed the culture of the Hitler Youth. I had not known that there was a sort of gang war between 2 groups of German youth which bears some resemblance to the dove vs. hawk type "war" witnessed during the Vietnam War era. I think that the film's most important message is that awareness must be practiced in life instead of blind ambition as blind ambition seems to have been the reason that so many of the film's characters ended up joining, and then enthusiastically participating in the HJ's activities.
I would have to agree with Nick Pham in saying that I was unaware of the swing culture that existed and opposed, somewhat openly, the Hitler youth. Though I somewhat knew of dissenting groups of people of Hitler, one in which I could connect with- based on age group- was intriguing to see. I had never thought of that before- that anyone my age had been so openly against the Nazi regime. But for the most part, as we are learning in this course, they went about their ways as bystanders, and that is what Arvin noticed, and therefore didn't want to become.
The important message of this film is to stand up for what you believe in and call out others when they are wrongfully oppressing, or committing wrongdoings in general. Do not be a bystander, do not be a perpetrator, nor a victim, but rather take action and never submit to something you truly do not believe in, or that is inhumane. It's a very clear and important message.
I didn't know that there was a swing culture in nazi Germany. i found that very interesting that the nazis banned all swing music, but these people just kept on doing what they were doing anyways. i also didnt know that there were a lot of people that didnt really join the hitler youth. I think that the important message of the film is to stand up for what you feel is right, not just go along with what everyone else is doing. it is to not be a bystander when you know that something is wrong and to stand up for their morals.
I did not know anything about the swing kids and sort of assumed the majority of the young Germans were involved in the Hitler Youth group but I was surprised to see the swing kids going against the Nazis and fighting for what they believe is morally right. I didn't think this type of thing occurred and I feel this movie really opened my mind showed me something I don’t know much about. Being a bystander will get you nowhere and conforming to society to feel superior isn't an ideal choice in my opinion either. I think this film tried to emphasize sticking up for one's values without conforming to a corrupt society.
I did not know that there was an actual culture of kids that were against the Nazi's, nor did I know some of the horrible things the Nazi's did way back when. I learned some things like how they would send the ashes of a dead loved one in a box to the family, and how heartbreaking it was to see a family member taken away from you just like that. The Nazi's censored music and almost anything non-German. It was horrible back then but the film was well made and seemed accurate to the time it took place in and overall, I enjoyed watching it, despite the true horrors it revealed to me.
I agree with Nick Pham; I did not know that there was a group of kids who opposed the Nazi's. I thought it was horrible how Thomas turned into a completely different person after joining the Nazi's but I think it displays how powerful the Nazi's were in brainwashing people into doing what they wanted. I also did not know that the Nazi's censored all music that was not German. It is shocking that they would take such harsh measures in order to completely "purify" every single aspect of life.
Before watching this film, I agree with everyone so far in that I was completely unaware of this group known as the "swing" kids. I think that it was amazing that these kids went against the ideals of Hitler at the time and had the courage to listen to what they wanted and do as they chose, even if it meant getting in trouble. I also learned a little bit more about what the youth camps were all about since Thomas and Peter decided to enter in one. One important message that stood out to me towards the end of the film is being able to stay true to yourself. This is seen when Thomas allows himself to be taken away after being caught at the swing dance. Unlike Peter, Thomas is able to stay true to his values in life and achieve self-realization with his identity.
Swing kids brought in the real environment of living in Nazi Germany, which was really interesting. Seeing nearly everyone living their normal lives while the Nazis terrorized those they thought were outcasts was simultaneously fascinating and horrifying. It brought to light the negative effects of being a bystander, or worse, a perpetrator. Thomas, while nearly becoming a full-fledged perpetrator, realized he had the power of choice, and decided at the very end to rebel against Nazism (yelling heil swing). It was interesting to see the small and silent rebellions of individuals through their self-expression and power of choice; choosing to go to a swing club, knowing it's forbidden, is a small rebellion against what Nazis stand for, and that requires a significant amount of bravery.
I would agree, just like everyone before, that I didn't know there was a "swing" culture that some what opposed Hitler's ruling. I thought everyone was on board with Hitler and his views. The Swing kids teach the importance of standing up for what you believe is right, even if the ones you love, like your friends, are against you. Peter's character stayed true to what he believed in, which was very difficult because his friend sided with the Nazis. The end result showed that he would rather be taken to die as a non supporter of Hitler than to serve him or secretly hide from the Nazis.
I agree with everyone else, I knew nothing about the swing kids, their sort of war with the Nazi youth, and the sort of things that went on between these two groups. I thought it was really interesting to see the swing culture and how strongly many of the swing kids defended their opinions and stood against the Hitler youth. It is a good example of what we talked about in class in terms of not being a bystander and not following orders, but being able to make your own choices and more importantly make the right choices.
I agree with Nick Pham The movie was really educational. I learned a lot about the swing culture.I also agree with Nick Lanciani that you need to stand up for what you believe in.
I'm going to go out on a limb and disagree with everyone as usual; to me the poem didn't advocate for everyone to stay true to ourselves; however noble the resistance of the lead swingers Alvin and Thomas, they are killed by the Nazis. So much for honor. A dead man cannot defend his mantra. Even martyrdom in this case is ruled out; it's not martyrdom if everyone is dying. Eventually, deaths become a statistic; Thomas, while staying true to himself, pretty much did not help the case of the Swing Kids in the slightest, despite showing an impressive bout of courage. A sequel to this movie might show his death in the camps. This movie to me was primarily a hugely negative portrayal of human nature and suggested to me that in Nazi Germany, pretty much everyone in my age group would either join the Nazis or be killed off. It takes serious courage to willingly submit to death in place of working for the Nazis. I believe this is why the Holocaust was allowed to occur. People followed orders because it was the only way they could stay alive; clearly Germany did not care about them as equally as it did not care about the Jews. This is a message of the movie: humans can be exploited for their incredible desire to stay alive. Most striking to me is the fact that we would probably all join the Nazis. Forced into being a bystander should not be considered ignorant or weak; it is slavery and should be pitied. Here arises the problem with blaming the peasants for Nazi Germany.
When watching the movie "Swing Kids" i didn't realize how important the "Swing" music was to certain people. I learned that the people that were associated with the Nazi movement were basically allowed to get away with anything. Like Mr.Gallagher said during class they could kill someone and get applauded for it. That amazes me because the Nazi's had to be at a whole nother level to be able get a pat on the back for murdering someone. Another thing that i didn't know is that the hitler youth was so involve that they would tell on there parents.
Before watching this film i was unaware of how controlling the Nazis were over every aspect of the lives of the German people. I had no idea that they cared about things like music and dance, i thought that they mainly focused on what they viewed as important, race and religion. I think that the main message or idea to take from this is to think about your actions and stand up for what you believe in, instead of blindly following orders without thinking about the repercussions, or possible effect that they are having on someone else.
Before watching the film, i had not known that Natzi Germany had banned swing music from the population. I also didnt no that there were many people that this swing music was important to amd that they would hold different parties at different clubs secretly, like an underground swing community. I agree with Luke in the fact that this movie went along with how each individual can make there own choices and not have to follow orders in which they disagreed with. What made me angry was that the Hitler Youth was applauded for beating and even killing civillians for doing such small things like dancing to a type of music.
Before watching the film i had known that Hitler hadn't agreed with anything that he didn't like or take part in i.e Swing watching the movie we learnt that you should always believe in yourself, you should be proud of who you are and never give up what you believe in just because another person does not comply with your decision
One thing that I learned in this film that I did not know before was that swing music was banished. I had no idea that it was such a large problem. I did not know that the Nazi s punished people if they listened to music that they did not approve it. I thought It was made a much bigger deal than it actually was. What I thought was the most important message was to stay true to yourself. I feel like that is when everyone was happiest, and there were fewest problems.
I agree with Melissa in that the kids had a lot of courage to continue to listen to music that was banished. They knew the consequences that could have came out of it, yet that did not stop them for listening to that music.
One thing that I learned is that the Nazis were even able to tear the best of friends apart. It is sad and evil that they were able to have everyone against each other because nobody could trust each other.
Before watching this film, I had no idea that there was a group of people who opposed the nazi movement that were not Jewish. I had always had it in my mind that the people who opposed the movement such as Miep Gies stayed hidden, but also helped to hide Jewish people. This movie opened my eyes to another group of people. I think that the most important message from the film is that the German people did have a choice, they were not forced into doing what they did.
Before watching the film I was not aware that there was any type of resistance of what the Nazi's were doing. I was under the impression that if you opposed to what they were doing in the slightest bit, you'd automatically be punished. I was surprised that these Swing Kids were able to do what they did for so long. I agree with Jeff in that humans tend to abandon their friends, just in the fear of being killed or punished by someone who is superior to them in any way.
I had no Idea that swing influenced Germans so strongly that they where willing to put their lives at risk for their music. While it did stand for more than that.
I had no idea that there was ever a group of people in Germany that thought what the NAZI's were doing, was bad. that killing jews just becuase they are jews was so wrong and that if they could walk down the street and kill anyone just cuz how they looked at you, was very wrong.
I learned about the the swing kids. I had never heard of them until the film. I found it very shocking that people couldn't even listen to Jewish music. It really showed the amount of hatred the Germans had for them. I learned that you should always speak up not only for yourself but for others who are suffering too. I found the message to be to never go along with something you disagree with because it can really turn you into your worst fear in the end
I am really glad I saw this film. When I think of the holocaust, I think of the death camps and violence towards jews. It was eye-opening to see that many others suffered at the hands of the Nazis in one way or another, even Aryan Germans. It also made me much more understanding of the German youth that joined the HJ. Even nThomas, who took his loyalty to extremes, did so because it gave him a sense of belonging and achievement that he could not find elsewhere.
i agree with abby, i was very unaware of this swing culture being evident in nazi germany. I did not know the power of the nazi party when it came to bringing up young boys to be brainwashed to the point of thinking what they were doing could be justified.
i loved watching this movie, i think it gave me such an accurate depiction of what it was like at the beginning of nazi germany. I know i really understood this movie because when Thomas was beating up Peter i was really frustrated and felt the same rage and disbelief that Peters character felt. I thought the main message of this movie was to show how the nazi party changed people and warped their minds, so much so that best friends would turn on each other.
31 comments:
Before watching the film, I had now known that there was a sort of counterculture ("swing" culture) which opposed the culture of the Hitler Youth. I had not known that there was a sort of gang war between 2 groups of German youth which bears some resemblance to the dove vs. hawk type "war" witnessed during the Vietnam War era. I think that the film's most important message is that awareness must be practiced in life instead of blind ambition as blind ambition seems to have been the reason that so many of the film's characters ended up joining, and then enthusiastically participating in the HJ's activities.
I would have to agree with Nick Pham in saying that I was unaware of the swing culture that existed and opposed, somewhat openly, the Hitler youth. Though I somewhat knew of dissenting groups of people of Hitler, one in which I could connect with- based on age group- was intriguing to see. I had never thought of that before- that anyone my age had been so openly against the Nazi regime. But for the most part, as we are learning in this course, they went about their ways as bystanders, and that is what Arvin noticed, and therefore didn't want to become.
The important message of this film is to stand up for what you believe in and call out others when they are wrongfully oppressing, or committing wrongdoings in general. Do not be a bystander, do not be a perpetrator, nor a victim, but rather take action and never submit to something you truly do not believe in, or that is inhumane. It's a very clear and important message.
I didn't know that there was a swing culture in nazi Germany. i found that very interesting that the nazis banned all swing music, but these people just kept on doing what they were doing anyways. i also didnt know that there were a lot of people that didnt really join the hitler youth. I think that the important message of the film is to stand up for what you feel is right, not just go along with what everyone else is doing. it is to not be a bystander when you know that something is wrong and to stand up for their morals.
I did not know anything about the swing kids and sort of assumed the majority of the young Germans were involved in the Hitler Youth group but I was surprised to see the swing kids going against the Nazis and fighting for what they believe is morally right. I didn't think this type of thing occurred and I feel this movie really opened my mind showed me something I don’t know much about. Being a bystander will get you nowhere and conforming to society to feel superior isn't an ideal choice in my opinion either. I think this film tried to emphasize sticking up for one's values without conforming to a corrupt society.
I did not know that there was an actual culture of kids that were against the Nazi's, nor did I know some of the horrible things the Nazi's did way back when. I learned some things like how they would send the ashes of a dead loved one in a box to the family, and how heartbreaking it was to see a family member taken away from you just like that. The Nazi's censored music and almost anything non-German. It was horrible back then but the film was well made and seemed accurate to the time it took place in and overall, I enjoyed watching it, despite the true horrors it revealed to me.
I agree with Nick Pham; I did not know that there was a group of kids who opposed the Nazi's. I thought it was horrible how Thomas turned into a completely different person after joining the Nazi's but I think it displays how powerful the Nazi's were in brainwashing people into doing what they wanted. I also did not know that the Nazi's censored all music that was not German. It is shocking that they would take such harsh measures in order to completely "purify" every single aspect of life.
Before watching this film, I agree with everyone so far in that I was completely unaware of this group known as the "swing" kids. I think that it was amazing that these kids went against the ideals of Hitler at the time and had the courage to listen to what they wanted and do as they chose, even if it meant getting in trouble. I also learned a little bit more about what the youth camps were all about since Thomas and Peter decided to enter in one. One important message that stood out to me towards the end of the film is being able to stay true to yourself. This is seen when Thomas allows himself to be taken away after being caught at the swing dance. Unlike Peter, Thomas is able to stay true to his values in life and achieve self-realization with his identity.
Swing kids brought in the real environment of living in Nazi Germany, which was really interesting. Seeing nearly everyone living their normal lives while the Nazis terrorized those they thought were outcasts was simultaneously fascinating and horrifying. It brought to light the negative effects of being a bystander, or worse, a perpetrator. Thomas, while nearly becoming a full-fledged perpetrator, realized he had the power of choice, and decided at the very end to rebel against Nazism (yelling heil swing). It was interesting to see the small and silent rebellions of individuals through their self-expression and power of choice; choosing to go to a swing club, knowing it's forbidden, is a small rebellion against what Nazis stand for, and that requires a significant amount of bravery.
I would agree, just like everyone before, that I didn't know there was a "swing" culture that some what opposed Hitler's ruling. I thought everyone was on board with Hitler and his views. The Swing kids teach the importance of standing up for what you believe is right, even if the ones you love, like your friends, are against you. Peter's character stayed true to what he believed in, which was very difficult because his friend sided with the Nazis. The end result showed that he would rather be taken to die as a non supporter of Hitler than to serve him or secretly hide from the Nazis.
I agree with everyone else, I knew nothing about the swing kids, their sort of war with the Nazi youth, and the sort of things that went on between these two groups. I thought it was really interesting to see the swing culture and how strongly many of the swing kids defended their opinions and stood against the Hitler youth. It is a good example of what we talked about in class in terms of not being a bystander and not following orders, but being able to make your own choices and more importantly make the right choices.
I agree with Nick Pham The movie was really educational. I learned a lot about the swing culture.I also agree with Nick Lanciani that you need to stand up for what you believe in.
the film conceptualized how the Nazi rise to power took time and a lot of events and progress occured for Nazi to take hold.
I'm going to go out on a limb and disagree with everyone as usual; to me the poem didn't advocate for everyone to stay true to ourselves; however noble the resistance of the lead swingers Alvin and Thomas, they are killed by the Nazis. So much for honor. A dead man cannot defend his mantra. Even martyrdom in this case is ruled out; it's not martyrdom if everyone is dying. Eventually, deaths become a statistic; Thomas, while staying true to himself, pretty much did not help the case of the Swing Kids in the slightest, despite showing an impressive bout of courage. A sequel to this movie might show his death in the camps. This movie to me was primarily a hugely negative portrayal of human nature and suggested to me that in Nazi Germany, pretty much everyone in my age group would either join the Nazis or be killed off. It takes serious courage to willingly submit to death in place of working for the Nazis. I believe this is why the Holocaust was allowed to occur. People followed orders because it was the only way they could stay alive; clearly Germany did not care about them as equally as it did not care about the Jews. This is a message of the movie: humans can be exploited for their incredible desire to stay alive. Most striking to me is the fact that we would probably all join the Nazis. Forced into being a bystander should not be considered ignorant or weak; it is slavery and should be pitied. Here arises the problem with blaming the peasants for Nazi Germany.
When watching the movie "Swing Kids" i didn't realize how important the "Swing" music was to certain people. I learned that the people that were associated with the Nazi movement were basically allowed to get away with anything. Like Mr.Gallagher said during class they could kill someone and get applauded for it. That amazes me because the Nazi's had to be at a whole nother level to be able get a pat on the back for murdering someone. Another thing that i didn't know is that the hitler youth was so involve that they would tell on there parents.
Before watching this film i was unaware of how controlling the Nazis were over every aspect of the lives of the German people. I had no idea that they cared about things like music and dance, i thought that they mainly focused on what they viewed as important, race and religion. I think that the main message or idea to take from this is to think about your actions and stand up for what you believe in, instead of blindly following orders without thinking about the repercussions, or possible effect that they are having on someone else.
Before watching the film, i had not known that Natzi Germany had banned swing music from the population. I also didnt no that there were many people that this swing music was important to amd that they would hold different parties at different clubs secretly, like an underground swing community. I agree with Luke in the fact that this movie went along with how each individual can make there own choices and not have to follow orders in which they disagreed with. What made me angry was that the Hitler Youth was applauded for beating and even killing civillians for doing such small things like dancing to a type of music.
Before watching the film i had known that Hitler hadn't agreed with anything that he didn't like or take part in i.e Swing watching the movie we learnt that you should always believe in yourself, you should be proud of who you are and never give up what you believe in just because another person does not comply with your decision
One thing that I learned in this film that I did not know before was that swing music was banished. I had no idea that it was such a large problem. I did not know that the Nazi s punished people if they listened to music that they did not approve it. I thought It was made a much bigger deal than it actually was. What I thought was the most important message was to stay true to yourself. I feel like that is when everyone was happiest, and there were fewest problems.
I agree with Melissa in that the kids had a lot of courage to continue to listen to music that was banished. They knew the consequences that could have came out of it, yet that did not stop them for listening to that music.
One thing that I learned is that the Nazis were even able to tear the best of friends apart. It is sad and evil that they were able to have everyone against each other because nobody could trust each other.
Before watching this film, I had no idea that there was a group of people who opposed the nazi movement that were not Jewish. I had always had it in my mind that the people who opposed the movement such as Miep Gies stayed hidden, but also helped to hide Jewish people. This movie opened my eyes to another group of people. I think that the most important message from the film is that the German people did have a choice, they were not forced into doing what they did.
Before watching the film I was not aware that there was any type of resistance of what the Nazi's were doing. I was under the impression that if you opposed to what they were doing in the slightest bit, you'd automatically be punished. I was surprised that these Swing Kids were able to do what they did for so long. I agree with Jeff in that humans tend to abandon their friends, just in the fear of being killed or punished by someone who is superior to them in any way.
I had no Idea that swing influenced Germans so strongly that they where willing to put their lives at risk for their music. While it did stand for more than that.
I had no idea that there was ever a group of people in Germany that thought what the NAZI's were doing, was bad. that killing jews just becuase they are jews was so wrong and that if they could walk down the street and kill anyone just cuz how they looked at you, was very wrong.
I learned about the the swing kids. I had never heard of them until the film. I found it very shocking that people couldn't even listen to Jewish music. It really showed the amount of hatred the Germans had for them. I learned that you should always speak up not only for yourself but for others who are suffering too. I found the message to be to never go along with something you disagree with because it can really turn you into your worst fear in the end
I am really glad I saw this film. When I think of the holocaust, I think of the death camps and violence towards jews. It was eye-opening to see that many others suffered at the hands of the Nazis in one way or another, even Aryan Germans. It also made me much more understanding of the German youth that joined the HJ. Even nThomas, who took his loyalty to extremes, did so because it gave him a sense of belonging and achievement that he could not find elsewhere.
Unfortunately, I was out of the country and not in class when we watched this film.
i agree with abby, i was very unaware of this swing culture being evident in nazi germany. I did not know the power of the nazi party when it came to bringing up young boys to be brainwashed to the point of thinking what they were doing could be justified.
i loved watching this movie, i think it gave me such an accurate depiction of what it was like at the beginning of nazi germany. I know i really understood this movie because when Thomas was beating up Peter i was really frustrated and felt the same rage and disbelief that Peters character felt. I thought the main message of this movie was to show how the nazi party changed people and warped their minds, so much so that best friends would turn on each other.
I agree with Nick when he says the main message was to stand up for what you believe in
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