RACISM

Since WWII is the subject, I have uploaded some photos off original film my father took in 1945. The second photo is of my parents. They had been married about 4 years when it was taken.

He had his movie camera as they followed the front line and the retreating Germans. This next photo is a barn full of dead bodies.




The Germans locked them in; doused them with gas, and set them on fire. Three days later, when my dad arrived, he could still see smoke trailing off the corpses. It made an impact on the whole world at that time, and these films still make a powerful statement today.









Racism knows no limits. My question is, "Where does racism begin?" I think we can trace it back through culture, clans, families, and finally to the individual. What is in my heart? If I eliminate racism from myself, then it is more difficult to take root in my children and those I influence. If I speak out against it, then I have an influence in society as well. I have a responsibility to defend those who cannot defend themselves. I have a responsiblity to live a life free from hate. I have a responsibility to live by example. Can you think of other ways this should impact our lives?

THE CRUEL SEA

Nicholas Monsarrat wrote this soon after World War II. It's a fictional account of British naval life in the North Atlantic during the war. Once you get into this book, you realize why the title is The Cruel Sea, and not The Cruel War. The battle really is with the sea. The war just makes it more miserable. (I think I'll stick with the Army or Air Force.) The story line follows two men who enter the navy at the same time. One of them develops into a leader. The other allows fear to overtake him. I can see elements of each man within myself. A good book does that. They made a movie from the book, but I recommend you read the book first.