Introduction

Click the image to go to the online text and audio of this thought-provoking speech.

"Perils of Indifference" by Elie Wiesel

BEFORE WE WATCH:

• Who is Elie Wiesel?

• Define ‘peril’.

• What do we know about the Holocaust?

• Where else have you seen genocide?

WHILE WE WATCH:

• Read the text of the speech and note any paragraphs that stand out to you in any way. Jot down the paragraph number so you can easily go back to it during our discussion.

AFTER WE WATCH:

• Summarize this speech.

• According to Wiesel, what is the ‘peril of indifference’?

• What does he mean when Wiesel says that “Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred...Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it. Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response. Indifference is not a beginning; it is an end” ?

• Is society getting better or are we still indifferent? What does Wiesel think? What do you think? How do you know?

• What does Elie Wiesel believe we can take away from the numerous tragedies that have occurred throughout the century? How can this knowledge impact the future?

• What excerpts of the text stood out to you? Why? Share in the chat the word that stood out to you most. Now share the phrase. Let's look at the word cloud we create with these words and phrases.

WRN:

Prompt: Discuss the role that indifference plays in your everyday life. You may choose to use your own life, the experiences of friends or other examples from the news, film, etc.