This is an important reminder, something I make sure my children understand whenever the subject comes up: The Holocaust was not just about the Jews, it was about any and all people the government had decided were unworthy, less than human in one way or another. Discrimination against people for their religion, national origin or disabilities led to persecution… Here is the BBC article on a new memorial in Berlin that brought up this topic.
And while we are on the topic, let’s not fall prey to the illusion that things like this are in the past and in other places. No, in the United States we put entire families of native-born citizens of Japanese ancestry in concentration camps. Today, we allow homosexuals and other gender-bending people to be discriminated against in housing, employment and family creation. Vigilante border patrols (and gangs of thugs elsewhere) are targeting people they assume to be of Hispanic origins. In many school districts, students whose native tongue is not English are required to attend classes in English and are tested alongside native speakers — even when it is clear they are not able to function in this way.
Can we assume that at least in the United States we wouldn’t turn these minority groups into slaves? That we wouldn’t set up death camps?
I think making that assumption would be foolish. We must stay alert because subtle discrimination and harassment can lead to the more extreme versions.
We must not forget that what can be done to one group can be done to any. Dehumanize that person today, and tomorrow — it could be you.