I'm doing an essay on the book The Children of Izieu. My thesis is - The lives of 44 children were unreasonably exterminated in the Holocaust.
The book is about Children who are captured by Klaus Barbie from the House of Izieu and taken to a death camp in Auschwitz.
Two of my arguments are - they were young and harmless so they shouldn't have been exterminated. And that they were exterminated in a barbaric manner. Can anyone help me come up with more arguments? Thanks!
If you are arguing the children were "unreasonably exterminated", does that mean they could have been reasonably exterminated?
Your arguement-they were young and harmless- if thy were old and harmless should they have been exterminated? Or old and harmful? Secondly, if there is such a thing as exterminated in a barbaric manner, is there the contra of exterminated in a civilized (humane) manner?
My point is this: Be careful of your wording, and avoid such logical pitfalls.
I think a better thesis is focused on the loss of the innocent: It includes Modern Africa, Iraq, Pakistan, and wherever terror or inhumanity reigns. Why does God allow it? Why do we allow it?
Good luck
I agree with Bobpursley.
I've been thinking about your essay for a while -- and have a hard time accepting your mealy-mouthed thesis. The children were murdered -- not by just one crazed individual -- but by a so-called civilized nation.
Since the focus of your essay is on this book, I suggest you rewrite your thesis to make it stronger. Then concentrate on the individual children whose lives were cut pathetically short by the barbarians.
Thank you both for your suggestions! The book, in a way, is like a memorial. Should I change my thesis to something related to the importance of remembering the holocaust?
Yes. I think you should. That would be a good idea.
Certainly, I can help you come up with more arguments for your essay on "The Children of Izieu." Here are a few additional points you could consider:
1. Violation of Human Rights: The extermination of the 44 children from the House of Izieu can be seen as a severe violation of their basic human rights. They were denied the right to life, liberty, and security, which are fundamental principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
To support this argument, you can reference the International Declaration of Human Rights and explain how the Holocaust, specifically targeting innocent children, is a clear violation of these principles.
2. Loss of Potential: The Holocaust not only robbed these children of their lives but also destroyed the potential contributions they could have made to society. Many of them may have grown up to become doctors, engineers, artists, or leaders in their respective fields, had they been given the chance to live and fulfill their aspirations.
You can emphasize the importance of nurturing and protecting the younger generation for the betterment of society. Reference stories of individuals who survived the Holocaust and went on to achieve remarkable things, emphasizing the loss of such potential for the children of Izieu.
3. Psychological and Emotional Impact: The extermination of these children had profound psychological and emotional consequences not only for the victims but also for their families and communities. Their deaths caused immense trauma and grief that left lasting scars on the survivors.
You can highlight the psychological impact of such mass atrocities, discussing the long-term effects on families and communities. Cite examples of survivor testimonies or psychological studies that explore the lasting trauma endured by those directly affected by the loss of the children.
4. Symbolic Importance: The children of Izieu and their tragic fate have become symbolic of the wider Holocaust, representing the innocent lives lost during this horrific genocide. Their story serves as a reminder of the unimaginable suffering inflicted upon millions of individuals, irrespective of age or innocence.
To strengthen this argument, you can discuss the symbolic value of their story, such as how it has been incorporated into memorials or educational materials about the Holocaust. By doing so, you emphasize their historical significance and the need to remember their lives as part of collective memory.
Remember, as you build your arguments, it's important to gather evidence and supporting examples to substantiate your claims. Additionally, referencing reputable sources such as scholarly books, historical records, survivor testimonies, or reputable websites will enhance the credibility of your essay.