The Presence By Martin Niemoeller: The Perils Of Indifference

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The dangers that come with indifference could not only be fatal, but also very traumatizing. In the texts “First They Came” by Martin Niemoeller, “The Perils of Indifference” a speech by Elie Wiesel and “The Kitty Genovese Murder: What
Really Happened?” by Jessica McBirney, it is very transparent the problems that could arise from being indifferent in the world. All of these texts explore and reinforce the dangers of being indifferent: as well as the inhumane experiences someone may endure if there is no help provided with their situation.
Niemoller, a pastor in Germany and political prisoner during the Holocaust, took a stand and rebelled against indifference. Niemoller has been a part of both sides of indifference. For example, he says that he experienced indifference when, “Niemoller admitted he did not take a stand against the Nazi's treatment of the Jews.” This means that even though Niemoller knew what was happening around him, he did not speak up, possibly the result of fear or not wanting to stand out. Niemoller did not assist the people enduring indifference and this may have ended up being karma against him.“Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.” Niemoller watched indifference take place right in front of him but said nothing. When the German …show more content…

“In a way, to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred.” In a way, indifference is the greatest danger one may come across. The thoughts of helplessness and feeling exiled is enough to drive a normal person completely off the rails. So Wiesel's statement is first hand proof yet again that indifference is more than just someone not providing the care you need: it's enough to make someone completely give up on life and lose all hope they may have