Gommel: Schindler and Wallenberg

Schindler and Wallenberg were individuals who were courageous enough to confront the Germans. They had prestige. Wallenberg’s family name was prestigious, though the film revealed from the start that he was not noteworthy. Schindler was a successful businessman and was charismatic. The film showed him in close contact with the Germans and observant of their leisure behavior. This clued him into who he could manipulate and bribe to achieve an end to his means. Schindler was also at an advantage in dealing with the Germans because of his Sudeten heritage. The Sudeten Germans living in Czechoslovakia and supported the German war effort, so they would be well revered by the German leaders. This was advantageous to Schindler in having a forthright business relationship with the Germans; which ultimately was beneficial to the Jews that made it onto his work list escaping the wrath of the Germans.

In some aspect both men may be egocentric. We think of this as a negative word and character trait. It could be applied to Hitler who thought only of himself without regard for the feelings and desires of others. So, Schindler and Wallenberg certainly would not be in that association. Yet egocentrism can also be defined as actions centered on or arising from one’s experiences and perspectives. Would a shrewd businessperson be considered egocentric? They would need to be insightful and clever as Schindler was to advance their careers and businesses. He was sharp-witted, which would take some consideration of the feelings of others, though. But he did reveal at least a high self esteem. But ego-centrism would not apply to one who became so aware of the plight of the Jews with a desire to risk one’s own life for others. But if it were ego-centrism it shows that one’s situation and life experiences can be used for good. If Schindler and Wallenberg did have the tendency toward self centeredness, it served them and the Jews they rescued well. Their sense of self was so strong that they could stand up to the German military rank and demand answers. It’s hard for me to imagine someone that wasn’t ego-centric to stand up in such a way. But it was also brave even when it came to bribing someone for who knew when they might turn on you. But money and prestige earn respect; and they seemed to know it. But in the end for both men to lose everything, Schindler his fortune and Wallenberg his freedom and his life; would not reveal ego-centrism, but self sacrifice.

So in thinking how an individual would respond to genocide, the actions of Schindler and Wallenberg is contrary to what we are taught about respect for authority and good behavior. They stood up to authority and used tactics we would not deem good such as bribery and lies. But ultimately they worked for good. The regard for following rules of authority would have attributed to the inaction of the Jews or other law-abiding citizens. But when the rules of those in authority are contrary to morality, then we must muster up the strength to take a stand. Schindler and Wallenberg’s business experience allowed them to have the wit to stand up to the Germans and use the power and wisdom they had to help those in need, and in such large numbers. But they still had to make the choice to act. However their consciences did not seem to allow them any other choice when they saw the atrocities first hand. However many individuals who were not so self-confident or business oriented or ego-centric still stood up against an immoral authority and did what they could by hiding and feeding individuals in their quest for the freedom to live their lives.