scapegoating example #5

The Nazis wanted to have one solid German culture that spoke the German language, ate German food and followed the German values. They called it the Volk myth, meaning the “People.” (In fact, Volkswagon means “People’s Car” and was created in Nazi Germany and named by Adolph Hitler) To them, the Jews were trying to destroy German cultural values when they spoke Hebrew or Yiddish, when they celebrated Jewish holidays and when they dressed in the traditional Hasidic Jewish clothing. Therefore, in order to “purify” the German culture, they believed they had to completely destroy the Jewish culture.

1. How were the Nazis using culture in scapegoating?
2. What did they blame the Jews for?
3. How would you argue against the Nazis if you lived back then?
4. List two other facts that stuck out in your mind.