"How Does History Look Upon Oskar Schindler Was He Simply A Playboy Womaniser Or A Righteous Gentleman?"
Submitted by tenshi on 06/30/2008 05:21 PM
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"How Does History Look Upon Oskar Schindler Was He Simply A Playboy Womaniser Or A Righteous Gentleman?"
Oskar Schindler's actions during the holocaust were indeed a mystery, even to this day. Why did he save the thousands of Jews? Was he really the righteous gentleman and the hero? Many sources confirm that he was an alcoholic, a gambler and frequently exploits the many women that pass through his life. But as we look into his life we realise that even if he did perform these sinful acts, his rescue of the many Jews certainly would claim his as "righteous". The concern shouldn't be why he did it, but simply because he did do it.
What is a hero? A hero is a person who rises from the opposition to do courageous acts that will endanger his own life, but at the same time benefit many others. He is someone who makes a conscientious decision to do what he thinks is right, despite what others may think.
Oskar Schindler is definitely appropriate for this criteria. During World War II, Schindler managed to save the lives of 1200 Jews. For six years, he had "resolved to do everything in [his] power to defeat the system." (Keneally) Schindler had listened to his conscience and faced the danger, taking action.
Oskar Schindler does not strike anyone at first to be the heroic type. In fact, during a major part in his life, many would have given a definite "no". He was an unfaithful husband, and an insatiable womaniser. His affairs also resulted in two children out of wedlock. He was excessively vain. He was a heavy drinker, a gambler, and meddled within the black market. When his family firm collapsed due to the depression of the 1930s, the unemployed Schindler decided to become a member of the Nationalist Social Party the Nazis.
Eventually, with the deep connections with the illegal black markets, Schindler acquired the control of a Jewish-owned enamelled-goods factory, situated close to the Jewish ghetto, where he principally employed Jewish workers. At this time presumably because they were the cheapest labour. He was...
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