[Background: this essay was written as a project for my history teacher after a visit to the "Memory and Tolerance museum" in Mexico city as a personal opinion responding not only to the Nazi's actions, but every genocide in modern history. Needless to say, I went left while writing my "essay" but I think it's cool.]
“But
what if I don’t” said I, as she approached my desk with that creepy smile she
likes to make to those of my kind. “It must be done by Wednesday” she replied
as she handed a list with the details of our next job to the leader of our clan.
And
so it was done; the Tuesday night prior to the due date I sat in front of the
computer with the mission of proving my loyalty to our superior by writing a
detailed description of the events she forced me to witness the week before, as
well as explaining the possible motives this men used to justify their actions.
I
really didn't want to... but I was weak. “They were the bad guys” they said,
“they killed millions with no real reason”. Those phrases kept buzzing in my
head during the entire exhibition, but I knew why this men did what they did,
or at least I thought.
“A
lie told a thousand times becomes a truth”
_Joseph
Goebbels
It
has to be that. You just have to tell everyone your own convictions until they
become their convictions as well. If this happens not only will they accept
their fate, but they’ll also ask you personally to carry it out! That must be it! Or is it? Have I been
blinded too by der Führer’s words? Did he lie to me?
Coming
to think about it, He was as good at writing speeches, convincing people, as he
was good leading his people, his armies.
We
have long been told that betrayal is worst kind of evil in this world. When you
realize what’s really going on, it’s
probably too late. He trusts you. Leaving is not an option, you’re surrounded. Helping
those you hurt will only lead to your own termination, and just escaping isn't
an option either; you’re replaceable and he who is given your place may not be
so benevolent. Benevolent. That’s a strong word for someone who has been where
you have been, who has seen what you have seen, who has done what you have done. How do you dare call yourself like that?
The
sun will soon rise and rumors that my superiors will soon come to inspect the
quality of service I bring to my guests can easily be true. They must in their
best form when they arrive.
“Folks,
we will soon receive a very special guest. We have to… we must impress him or else… or else... The schedule is simple you’ll
clean your rooms, make sure your workstations look as clean as they can be, and
then… before the breakfast… you will walk past the… uh… kitchen ovens! Yeah,
past the kitchen’s ovens and into the showers so you’ll be clean when He
arrives. I’ll see what I can do but I guarantee you anything; chances are you
won’t have to work today.”
I
couldn't help but cry. I saw them smile for the first… and the last time.
I
was furious, for He wasn't just a regular inspector, he was the Führer himself.
My speech, the way I delivered, I don’t know. It was the worst day of my life.
He
gave me a promotion.
And
I accepted. I couldn't believe it. Why? WHY?
I don’t know why… I just… I… I was just following orders.
