Erich G. Holocaust testimony
Abstract
Erich G., a survivor of the Holocaust, teaches a course on the Holocaust at Harvard University. In this interview Professor G. speaks as a scholar and educator rather than as a survivor. He discusses the unprecedented, almost universal sadism of the Nazis, the uncharacteristically violent behavior of many Jews, and the difficulties in accounting for the occurrence of this world of extreme cruelty and aggressiveness. He compares and contrasts the psychology of the executioners and their victims. The necessity for and difficulty of maintaining clinical detachment in Holocaust scholarship are discussed. Professor G. also describes the Holocaust course he teaches. In his opinion the Holocaust shows the tremendous barbarity and aggressiveness which are stored in our civilization: "We live in a volcano."
Extent and Medium
1 videocassette (3/4" u-matic)
Conditions Governing Access
This testimony is open with permission.
Conditions Governing Reproduction
Copyright has been transferred to the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. Use of this testimony requires permission of the Fortunoff Video Archive.
Rules and Conventions
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Process Info
compiled by Staff of the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies
People
- G., Erich.
Subjects
- Video tapes.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Study and teaching.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Moral and ethical aspects.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Psychological aspects.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Study and teaching.
Genre
- Oral histories. -- ftamc