On the twenty second of February in 1943, Sophie, her brother Hans and their friend Christoph Probst were found guilty of treason and condemned to death. Their crime? The distribution of six anti-Nazi political resistance leaflets. They had been arrested while distributing the sixth leaflet at the University of Munich just four days earlier.
All three were beheaded by a guillotine in Munich's Stadelheim Prison at 17:00 hours. The execution was supervised by Walter Roemer, the enforcement chief of the Munich district court. He along with other prison officials, in later reports describing the scene, emphasized the great courage of the young 22 year old girl as she walked to her execution. Her complete last words were recorded as follows:
How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause? Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred into action?
Following her death, a copy of the sixth leaflet was smuggled out of Germany through Scandinavia to the UK by German jurist Helmuth James Graf von Moltke, where it was used by the Allied Forces. In mid-1943, they dropped over Germany millions of propaganda copies of the tract, now retitled The Manifesto of the Students of Munich...
Sophie's legacy had begun...and it rained down on all of Germany as a warning.
In a historical context, The White Rose's legacy is significant as a demonstration of exemplary spiritual courage and as a well-documented case of social dissent in a time of violent repression, censorship and conformist pressure.
It also teaches us that while words can be manipulated and twisted in pretty ways to lead a nation into committing heinous acts of murder, torture and war, they may also be used to proclaim truth, which is ultimately the mightiest sword in any arsenal.
Playwright Lillian Garrett-Groag stated in Newsday on February 22, 1993: "It is possibly the most spectacular moment of resistance that I can think of in the twentieth century. The fact that five little kids, in the mouth of the wolf, where it really counted, had the tremendous courage to do what they did, is spectacular to me."
In the same issue of Newsday, Holocaust historian Jud Newborn noted that: "You cannot really measure the effect of this kind of resistance in whether or not X number of bridges were blown up or a regime fell...The White Rose really as a more symbolic value, but that's a very important value."
I would personally argue that Sophie Scholl and The White Rose Resistance has more than just symbolic value. It represents the essence of what every human being is called to be: a protector of truth, a defender of the innocent, and a warrior for freedom. This, in the case of young Sophie, may prove to be deadly in a world where so often truth is abhorrent to those who hunger for their own personal gain and power; but it is that quiet gnawing in the soul and heart of all human beings--that part of ourselves that can hear the voice of that truth and realize that it is, in fact, something worth dying for.
The Power of Words. The Power of the Truth they can wield. It is immeasurable.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor and another member of the German Resistance who was tortured then executed for treason against Germany once said: "Silence in the face of evil is, itself, evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children."
Powerful words. Convicting words. They acknowledge that our voice, when used for truth--when used as a weapon to admonish evil outright and out loud to the world--is what defines our character. Inaction is, in fact, a choice of action. Silence is also speaking volumes. Sophie knew this. Her executioners knew this, too. She made her choice, and I believe that because it was the right one--the truth--that she was able to face her death in peace and with a clear conscience.
On May 9, 2014, Google depicted Sophie Scholl for its Google Doodle on the occasion of what would have been her 93rd birthday. She is, apparently, an inspiration to Google.
She is also a great inspiration to me.
Please take the time to read about Sophie in the article below. She is worth your time, I promise! If you like what you read and want to be inspired further, there is a great YA novel based on her lived titled The Silenced. There is also an incredible movie: Sophie Scholl: The Final Days that I highly recommend. I have also included the trailer to that movie below. Please look at BOTH and give me your comments.
Here is to Words and their saving power. Here is to truth and courage.
Here is to the White Rose.
"Always stand up for what's right; even if you're standing alone." ~Sophie Scholl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM5A4ETW_Io
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/rose.html
After reading the article and watching the video, I found Sophie, Hans, and Christoph are very inspiring poeple. They faced life without fear and did what they believed in. They may have been worried that they would get caught but they continued to do things in a fearless manner and stand up for what they believe in. In the article what really stood out to me was at the very end when it said "Their actions made them enduring symbols of the struggle, universal and timeless, for the freedom of the human spirit wherever and whenever it is threatened." I thought this truly embodied the White Rose and the memebers like Sophie, Hans, and Christoph and how they truly believed in what they were fighting for. I think for anyone who believes in something and they want to fight for it they should read their story because its truly inspiring how they were ready to die for their cause and they did.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, it supported how quickly someone's mind can change if an even happens in their life. The article says the Sophie and Hans were originally supporters of the Nazi movement, but eventually turned into resentment for the unwavering and negative impact the Nazis had over Germany and their citizens. It was evident that there had been some switch that made them believe that way, and that power so so strong that they were willing to die for their right to be heard. Their story proves to show that although opposition over power will be dangerous, people should have the liberty to stand. The spread of their opinion was extremely effective in the fact it was unknown and exclusive, which certainly made the individuals at the college find it interesting; the technique allowed for their word to get out quicker and more powerful than ever.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I thought the moral of the story was ever awe-inspiring, and I will definitely be considering the hardships of opposing to the German power as more heroic and selfless than I previously thought.
After reading the article and watching the trailer, it baffles me at the courage that some individuals carry throughout their life and the amount some lack. In today's society, there exists so much negativity that we are simply too afraid to stand up for. Sometimes, the issue may be so minute that a simple warning or conversation would be sufficient in resolving a matter. However, it is the values that we as people hold that prevent us from taking actions. The thought of the repercussions is often frightening for some although the worst that could occur is being told no. When looking at Sophie and her classmates, it is embarrassing to think that we are too afraid to stand up for this minute circumstances when there are/were people risking their lives for their cause. How is it that we are supposed to make the world a better place when we are too afraid to speak up? These are question that I often feel are forgotten and need to be re-evaluated because at this point, this extent of selflessness is a rare, global prized possession that more people should demonstrate.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about Sophie’s story and seeing the trailer for the movie, I was incredibly moved. She is a prime example of staying strong, even if you are the only one. All three of these students exhibited incredible strength and truly died for their country. They were not just going to stand idly by and allow terror to run rampant through their nation. It reminds me of the great freedom we have in this country, we have the right to vote for who will govern us. We have the right to freedom of speech, we are not prosecuted for wanting the best for our future. Sophie, Hans, and the rest of The White Rose are truly heroes and, in my opinion, truly exhibit a culture of perseverance.
ReplyDeleteIt is always incredibly motivating and inspiring to me when I hear stories of women and girls who fought even against the stereotypes to play their role in war. Sophie was not only speaking up against the horrendous acts of Hitler but was also proving women's strength and determination. I connected her story to Isabelle from the Nightingale - my summer reading choice. Both stories inspire one to break social norms and stand up for what is right, even when everyone else turns a blind eye.
ReplyDeleteHearing a story a like Sophie Scholl and the White Rose is always incredibly inspiring and reminds me of the extraordinary courage that human can have. While I understood leaflets were spread, this story gave me insight to the emotion behind it. What really stood out to me was Sophie’s words during her trial, essentially a formality for a death sentence, when she admitted to the crime and stated “Somebody, after all, had to make a start”. These are some of the most brave words I’ve ever heard. While it’s admirable to stand up for what one believes is right, it’s a completely different action to be the first one to stand up. Standing up against millions while being virtually alone is, to me, one of the bravest things that can be done. I honestly don’t think I’d be brave enough to go up against millions of people with a hundred allies, let alone only two. What I can take from this story is to never be silence just because no one else is saying the same things as you, because what you have to say can change the world.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Sophie Scholl and the White Rose, it was most inspiring to me to hear such stories of women and girls who fought against the us stereotyping. I believed she was the perfect example that women can be strong and that nobody should be afraid to stand alone, especially if it's the right thing to do. They all died for their country in honor and pride. Sophie wasn't only standing up against Hitler's act but she was also proving women's strength. That all women can and should stand up for themselves and again fight for what they believe is right. In my eyes I believed they were the true heroes that put insight into peoples lives.
ReplyDeleteThis story about Sophie Scholl is definitively inspiring. Personally I am someone to stick up for others when necessary but the way Sophie was willing to die to get her point out to the people is truly amazing and takes a lot of commitment. This story about Sophie Scholl is definitively inspiring. Personally I am someone to stick up for others when necessary but the way Sophie was willing to die to get her point out to the people is truly amazing and takes a lot of commitment. In the article one section at the end really caught my eye and it read, ¨One observer described her as she walked to her death: “Without turning a hair, without flinching.” Christoph Probst was next. Hans Scholl was last; just before he was beheaded, Hans cried out: “Long live freedom!”. The fact that Sophie was strong and not afraid to die because she knew she had helped people is astounding. In the trailer I felt that it really portraid the story well and the scene when Sophie was getting questioned she didn't lie or try and save herself, she admitted it and was proud to do so and that is something I wish society allowed. I feel that in the time we are in since people are so delicate with others words it is almost that we need to keep quiet on certain topics and keep quiet on doing something you feel is right because maybe others wont feel the same way. With Sophie and her brother they felt they were doing the right thing even though the Nazis did not.
ReplyDeleteI think it's something that truly is inspirational. I wouldn't be able to be like Sophie, have so much courage in the face of death. However it does make me want to try to be like her. Brave in the face of her own death, she was brave enough to stand up against an opposing view. Sophie risked her life for her views and her stand. I'm glad that she was celebrated, her life and her courage, and everything she stood for. It's a legacy she deserves for what she did, and was willing to do.
ReplyDeleteI found Sophie's courage and bravery super inspiring because I can not imagine myself doing what she did. I wish I had the boldness to speak up when its most needed and fight for what is right; to be wiling to sacrifice myself for the greater good. Thinking about it, it must feel liberating to not be "afraid" of anything, or to even speak up even though you are afraid.
ReplyDeleteI personally thought it was very inspiring that Sophie and her brother were just regular people before they started the leaflets. They weren't even initially against the Nazi party, but later grew to understand what horrors were going on. It gives me hope that everyone has the ability to do what is right when they see that something is wrong.
ReplyDeleteI think that the legacy of the White Rose is a timeless story that teaches the audience that speaking against a popular belief is courageous and necessary. The trailer for the White Rose movie looks very intense and interesting. I think it’s a great way to tell their story. While reading the article, I was surprised to learn that Hans and Sophie Scholl were once in the Hitler Youth. However, it makes sense because they saw Hitler’s manipulation first hand. I believe that the members of the White Rose are important figures in world history. They showed bravery in a time of malicious, stifling oppression. They let their voices be heard when the government was violently censoring free thought. From their stories, I have learned that voices should be heard and when we see that something wrong is happening, we must do or say something. Just as Dietrich Bonhoeffer said so eloquently, “Silence in the face of evil is, itself, evil”. Therefore, we must do something about these injustices and to remember that you should “Always stand up for what’s right; even if you’re standing alone,” -Sophie Scholl.
ReplyDeleteSophie showed what it is like to believe in what you say and go against anyone that thinks otherwise. This is demonstrated greatly in the film trailer. Sophie was asked who had "paid" her to orchestrate such an act, and she simply replied with, "Now you want me to betray others to save my own skin." I especially love that she was honored through Google Doodle. I hope this message of courage and resisting the enemy gets out to more people.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article and watching the trailer, it astonishes me to see the kind of people that there are that aren't afraid to speak their opinions, even if it's not accepted in society. These students did what nobody else was brave enough to do, and they fought for what they believed was right. What stood out to me the most was the fact that these students never showed fear in their actions, and acted resilient and determined, even through their hardest moments in life. This story is absolutely inspirational to me, as it shows that we must stay strong and have courage in order to do what’s best for our lives and the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video and reading the article, it immediatley caught my attention due to the fact that in this generation there are not many people that stand up for what they want and believe. I personally am not one of those people, I am very confrontational and I believe it is necesarry to stick up for whats right and wrong. Therfore, I find it astonishing how much of a risk-taker Sophie Scholl was. The fact that she used her words in order to communicate her beliefs, and allow death among herself because she was aware that she was helping people out takes the words out of my mouth. Sophie Scholl is definitely a romodel and a very inspiring person because of her strength and bravery. This story reinforces the idea that although standing up for yourself and others may be hard but it worth it. Many in this generation also believe there are certain things you must like, which is not the case. This is also quite common because people make an attempt to fit in instead of acting like themselves and sticking up for whats right. Thus, this story has inspired me to never keep my words in and always stand up for whats right no matter the punishments.
ReplyDeleteOne of my first thoughts upon hearing this story was how strange that circumstance is, of seeing everything around you, your entire country, submit to a malicious will that goes against everything you believe, all human decency. It's almost inconceivable to those of us living in a politically stable country like the US. What I realized though, was that the world looked far more like Nazi Germany than the present United States for most of its history. Modern political suppression and totalitarianism are just reflections of the difficult realities that dominated the lives of so many people in the past. War, hunger, civil unrest, oppression. These are things that were rampant in previous times, and they still exist today.
ReplyDeleteWhat strikes me is the tremendous effort it takes just to raise yourself above the crowd nowadays, never mind resist an entire tyrannical regime. There's a certain level of individual will that is demanded to undertake such a trying experience.
And it's a truly courageous thing to stand against so much raw, terrifying power, not least because you could stand to lose everything. Taking on an entire political system shows not just guts, but commitment. A lot of it. If there's something you believe in that you can put above your safety, even the safety of your loved ones, something I'm sure most of us have difficulty imagining, then you have to have more than just an attachment to a principle, or a trust in a logical system of conclusions. I think there's belief there, and faith, because these are some of the only things that stand above pure self-interest and egocentrism, both part and parcel of megalomaniacal dictators.
In conclusion, Sophie Scholl is quite all right in my book. While I don't think I will have to endure anything quite like what she went through, it's an inspiring story, considering everything that could potentially hold a person back from doing what she did. Which is pretty amazing.
When I think about Sophie, the word that immediately comes to mind is 'brave.' She, and her brother, were brave enough to stand up for their beliefs no matter what. And what made that statement even more clear is the way they calmly walked to their deaths. They knew what they had done, and they were proud that they hadn't stood in silence like so many others. Their braveness and their courage inspired many to do just what they had done, which was their ultimate goal. As Sophie said, she wanted this to spark something in people; for change to stir about the community for them to actually act upon what they believed. Sophie was completely right when she said "Always stand up for what you believe in, even if you're standing alone."
ReplyDeleteThe story of young Sophie Scholl and the White Rose is, without a doubt, an inspiring one. Learning about these brave friends and their journey into becoming such inspirational figures even to this day, has encouraged me in many ways. I think the main reason for which this story hit me so hard is due to me being the complete opposite to the risk taking characters mentioned in the article. Although I very much wished this wasn’t the case, I cannot claim to have even the slightest amount of courage as Sophie Scholl had in her short 21 years of life!! I can hardly imagine having the guts to simply share my opinions on controversial topics to my classmates at school. Therefore, knowing that Sophie had the courage to share her beliefs on something so arguable at the time to an entire university while knowing the possible dangerous consequences, is something that I can hardly wrap my head around. This bravery of hers is one that I hope others, as well as I, will one day use as an example to learn to take risks, especially if it means the possible betterment of yourself and others;))
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article and watching the trailer, I was instantly motivated by Sophia's resilience. The fact that she was so unafraid to express her opinion, and she had no shame in what she did, was absolutely beautiful and made me want to express myself more. I really want to see this movie now as I believe Sophia was an inspiration to this generation of teens, on how to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think it was an incredibly inspiring thing to go against all of social norms and take such risks to stand up for what is right. While there are lots of people that break that social norm today, it is nowhere near the risk that she took to go against the Nazi party. Not only are there social risks along with that, but they had the potential to be physically harmed or killed.
ReplyDeleteBreaking out of society's expectations is an extremely important part of who a person is. For example, someone who takes what is expected of them by society can be seen as extremely boring, or a "Generic Person" Going beyond this and becoming your own person is what distinguishes the interesting from the mundane, as each action is completely the choice of the individual. Scholl broke through the glass ceiling of society and acted in a way that she saw as right, making her a very important historical figure
ReplyDeleteThis story is both incredible and inspiring. I think it is amazing how Sophie and her brother stood up against the current of the society instead of just sitting back and remaining quiet. The amounts of risk and challenges they had to face knowing what will happen to them is amazing yet also absolutely insane. I love their story so much because a lot went into it and how they took on such a high risk to spread the word around the country. This goes to show that someone shouldn't be afraid to stand up for something they believe in. Another thing to add is that her quote when she says "Stand up for what you believe in, even if you're standing alone" because that is one of the things this group has done and now they are huge and memorable historical figures.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed by this story. Not just because of the amount of bravery and inspiration Sophie and Hans possessed, but also because I have never heard of these influencial individuals before. I would have thought that their story would be shared in history books and something we would have learned about in our histriy classes, but I have never heard of them at all. I am amazed at how Sophie and Hans were so young and willing to sacrifice everything for what they believed, and everyone knew was the right thing. They could have chosen to allow everything that was occuring in Nazi Germany to just happen like everyone else in their society, but they chose to be the ones to make an impact. They didn't know if they would make a difference but they took the risk anyway. They are truly inspirational and in my book they are heroes.
ReplyDeleteEmilio Ramirez:
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl is truly a magnificent person, not only for what she stood up for, but for her lasting and inspiring legacy. The risk she took upon which ended up taking her life is something most people, if not all people wouldn't think of doing, due out of sheer fear. I feel most people would stand up for others but in Sophie's situation, I feel the opposite would happen (I don’t mean to sound unkind). As bad as it sounds, risking your life isn't exactly the easiest thing to do. What Sophie Scholl did truly made an amazing impact on not just the corrupt political system of her country but it gave everlasting inspiration to many other people to stand up for what's right.
I really hope that Sophie’s inspirational story will be remembered by the world for a very long time because I think we can all learn a lot from it. Watching the trailer and reading the article made me stop and think of my own beliefs and whether I would be willing to go to those extremes to defend them or not. I don’t think I would be able to have such courage, bravery or acceptance towards sacrificing myself to make the world better, as Sophie did. Her actions that consisted of high risk caused for people to think for themselves and allowed for their eyes to suddenly be opened. She started a chain reaction by standing up and saying that something was wrong in her country, and for the benefit of mankind, it needed to be fixed. I think in our hypersensitive society we are all so worried that we will be judged based on our beliefs or opinions, especially when they may go against the norm or what is defined as socially acceptable. Us having this mindset as values continue to change in society can be dangerous. Everyone needs a voice, and Sophie was able to act as one that was eventually joined by many others to express a large concern. When you think of the courage required from the White Rose, trying to make a positive change in your own society doesn’t seem so hard. Not that it is easy either, but it’s important to remember that just a couple of people can make the biggest difference.
ReplyDeleteReading the article and watching the trailer, learning about Sophie Scholl was truly inspiring. For someone to stand up against the main belief and put themselves at risk is incredibly brave and inspiring. Although Sophie put herself in harms way to get across her message, she made a point to take responsibility for her actions rather than blame others to protect herself. Sophie took a risk and fought for her beliefs. She saw something that was wrong and she started a change. I think it's important for people to look back at positive people in history and learn from them in order to better the world today. Learning from history doesn't have to be negative and working towards preventing bad things; it can be looking at positives, like Sophie, and learning how they made a difference and how they were influential during their time and to modern day.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I felt Sophie died for nothing because in a few years, the war would be over and Germany would be stopped. This is the ignorance I believed. When watching the movie trailer, a person with real feelings of courage and passion was depicted in my mind, and I realized how brave Sophie and her friends were. They knew what would happen to them if they were caught, and they still started a revolution anyways. It was because of them, that so many people were able to see the downward spiral Germany was headed in. When reading Sophie and her brother's last interaction with their parents, I cried. They stayed courageous even when faced with death, and they stayed true to their cause. I am truly inspired by the White Rose and the impact they had, even in such a brain-washed country. It shows that in order to make a change, you must speak your mind and be willing to face whatever consequences could come from that.
ReplyDeleteAs I read through the article and the blog, one of the most prominent thoughts in my mind was a simple question: why have I never heard about her before? Her last words were so outstanding and memorable, yet I feel that to an extent they were not heeded by today's standards. She died trying to send a message, which was proven successful for the time and yet doesn't get taught today. I find it extremely admirable that a movie was made about her story, but until I read the blog I had never heard of it, never seen it, and never even heard the name "Sophie Scholl". Standing up for her beliefs with the looming consequence of death is something I know not many people would do today, or ever, in all honesty. We hear stories about those who challenge social norms and risk their life in he process, but the thing about those stories that make them stand out so much is that it doesn't happen every day. Sophie is no exception to this, I just find it sad her story isn't told as often or as widely spread as it should be.
ReplyDeleteThe story of The White Rose is remarkable. After reading the article and watching the trailer, I am amazed to learn about people who were so young and had so much courage and dignity. I think what surprises me the most out everything, is their calmness in the face of death. They died knowing that they did the right thing, despite the view of the government and the German public. I can only hope that I can channel the same mindset and courage as the people involved in The White Rose when in times of adversity. I think that's why at school we acknowledge and are asked to reflect on the 10 IB traits, to see which ones we exhibit and others we can improve upon. So that in times when it really counts, we make the right decisions, because it is your character that defines you.
ReplyDeleteSophie's’ story is amazing for so many reasons There are a number of themes that can be taken from the story - the power of words, the sheer amount of courage a person can have, how small individual actions can have huge impacts, strength of the human spirit - the list goes on.
ReplyDeleteShe stood up for what she believed in and fought despite the odds being stacked against her. She knew the dangers of what she was doing and decided to do it anyway.
It’s amazing that we still remember and honor her story. This shows that incredible acts of bravery aren't forgotten and that leading by example has an amazing ability to inspire others to action.
Everyone can learn from Sophie. We all have the same duty, to stand up against tyranny, oppression, whatever we believe is wrong. Hopefully others will stand with us.
Sophie’s story is timeless and I hope that it will continue to be remembered.
The story of Sophie Scholl did inspire me and I did wonder why I have never heard of her, since she did have a huge impact on Germany, but I mostly admired her. Sophie, along with her brother, showed immense courage when they distributed the anti-Nazi pamphlets at the university in hopes to spread truth. They believed in the truth so greatly that they were willing to give their lives for it. I know I personally do not have as much courage as these two and Sophie’s story inspires me to one day have as much courage and faith in the truth to be able to do the same. I have enough faith in the world to hope that I will never have to walk to my death but I can still pray for the courage and faith in the truth that Sophie had.
ReplyDelete"Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go. But what does my death matter, if through us thousands are awakened and stirred to action?" (Timeline News).
ReplyDeleteI can hardly imagine the strength, and though we've heard it a thousand times, perseverance it would have had to take to push and resist such a brutal force sweeping across Europe, the Nazis. They were feared. They were violent. They killed more than all the fingers on all the people in the world could count. They were deadlier than the worst epidemics to have swept the world. They were more destructive than the worse Mother Nature could have even thrown our way. They were the Nazis.
Though following her death, as made clear in her quote, her legacy of rebellion inspired many and continues to this day. Not only has she inspired people who supported her cause, but also those who face or have faced similar situations in which their beliefs have been squashed like a bug. What is most outstanding to have seen and read was their willingness, knowing the horrible consequences, to stay true to themselves and their word. Their flyers handed out across campus and their words calling out Hitler for his sabotage and wrongful ideals were all words they supported. Even to their last breaths, as shown in the quote.
Neither sibling showed regret. She was calm in her fleeting moments, confronting death head-on as she had her fight against Hitler. She, in her quote, shows no sign of fear - not of death nor of Hitler. I am so glad to have heard of this story again, after learning of it briefly in history. It is truly amazing to hear and read of people who, no matter the place or time, are willing to stand tall against the opposition.
*The quote is by Sophie School found on a Timeline News video :)
DeleteI have the utmost respect for people like Sophie. I cannot begin to imagine the horrors of the circumstances she was in, and the circumstances of the millions of others who died to the Nazi regime. If I had been in that situation, I know acting as Sophie did would have been very difficult for me. I would be absolutely terrified of my impending death.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much anyone can learn from this story. Sophie has set an example for the human race to follow, that in hard times you must persevere and stand up for what you believe in. This is an easy thing to say, but not so easy to do.
When reflecting upon this story, I realize that our idea of "perseverance" is entirely different from Sophie's. We often take for granted how fortunate we really are, and most, if not all of us will never find ourselves in circumstances like hers. Sophie and the many like her must be recognized for their perseverance and remembered throughout human history.
I think what most affected me was how it only takes a few. Throughout stories like The Diary of Anne Frank and Schindler’s List, I realized that there were people who did what they could to help Jews but what astonishes me is how blatantly sacrificial Sophie Scholl, Hans Scholl, and Christoph Probst’s cause was. I can’t pretend to understand how difficult it must be for a person to sacrifice himself for a greater cause but the way Sophie talked to her mother for the last time, with courage and strength, made me realized how selfless their group was to admit their ‘treason’ plainly and without regret. I admire their selflessness and appreciate that I am able to know of their valor and sacrifice. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat stood out most to me about the article was the sentence, "No witnesses were called, since the defendants had admitted everything." It's one thing to believe in a cause, but then to stand for it in the face of certain death, even when everything suggests that you should lie, if only just for that moment, is another almost unfathomable level of belief. I can only begin to comprehend the dedication, commitment, and foundational belief Sophie and her companions had for their cause. Their story is one of true strength, and I hope to use it as an example for how I should attempt to live my life.
ReplyDeleteI think that Sophie's story is essential to the human narrative. May the White Rose forever bloom.
This story is so inspiring. It’s the perfect example for standing up for what you believe in even if the cost is death. People risking their lives for the sake of others. A symbolic meaning can truly be more impactful than physical and concrete meaning and this story really proves that notion. This narrative is one of selflessness, integrity, and passion that should inspire all of us to be courageous in the face of fear and strive to make the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to describe the actions of the Sophie and Hans Scholl as merely brave. They were the beginning of the final resistance, and their blind faith that everything is happening for a reason, and their death would not be in vain. This makes all of my problems of my high school life as mere drops in an ocean compared to what they went through, and I know that I will likely never have to go through something like that. I love that in the trailer when the one man is telling her that her options for treason is prison or death, and she doesn’t even hesitate, knowing full well what her fate is, that she was responsible for producing and distributing the leaflets. She also surprises me when she said that her fate should not be any lighter than her brothers, this is even before the verdict, and she is simply telling the world that she will accept full responsibility for her actions. I think this is because she knew full well what the consequences to her actions were far before she got caught, but she knew it was going to be worth it, and it was. For this and her bravery, Sophie, Hans, and all of the other anti-Nazis who took a stand, their legacy can never die.
ReplyDeleteThese people, like many others of that generation, found something incredible. They found the will and the courage to do what they thought was right, even in extreme danger. Things like war bring out the best in some, and the worst in others. From things like the Nazi party, and even the concentration camps that existed here in the United States, we can tell that it is often the worst. However, it is stories like these that remind us that there will always be good somewhere, even if it is hard to see through the mess of hate that things like war cause. It truly shows that there will always be people we can count on.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I have more respect for Sophie and Hans Scholl. Not only did they strive to make a change in their society, but they took that risk, knowing that there would be consequences because of it. I thought that it was very honorable how Sophie and Hans Scholl created the white rose for the future of the German people. I also thought that it showed a lot of character when Sophie was keeping strong for her family by keeping a smile on her face, before she was put to death. To comfort her parents, she reminded them of God and that everything will work out for the better. I wonder if the situation would still have happened if her dad didn't make those anti-Nazi comments to his children? If their dad was partially the cause for their death?
ReplyDeleteDoing whats right and following your heart is a sheer way to inspire others and prosper through change. Changing something so significant has a huge influence on the community, and in this case Sophie/ Hans scholl. This story of Sophie and Hans,being anti-nazis shows even in the deepest of fear and hate, standing up for what you believe is key. While Sophie did die, its a great lesson and very eye opening to see the way she captivated god, positivity, and belief. They resisted. And they fought against something many would if the consequences, as Sophie found out, were not fatal.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl is who we should all aspire to be: someone who, even in an oppressive regime, even though doing so could kill them, stands up for what is right. Not right by society's standards, or by the standards of your peers, but what is objectively right (if there can be such a thing). Sophie's unwavering commitment to the truth, even up to the moment of her death, is truly incredible and sets an example for us all. If it wasn't for people like her, tyrants and despots would inevitably rise to power and stay there, unopposed because no one would take a stand. We can all aspire to be a little bit more like Sophie Scholl every day.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that truly captured me about the story of Sophie Scholl is how taken for granted our own freedoms are in comparison to those of the time of Ms. Scholl. In this day and age making our oponion public on anything that our heart desires is as easy as sending out a tweet or a snapchat. Beyond being able, there are not any actual consequences (within limit) for us displaying our oponion, despite how mad it may make others. Sophie did not have that same freedom. To do something as mundane as distribute a piece of paper with words contradicting those of the government and be sentenced to death is unimaginable. Im thankful to Sophie as well as those who lived before her who set the path to having the freedom of speech that we do today.
ReplyDeleteReading this article and watching the movie trailer really put things in to perspective to e about how when you are truly passionate about something you need to fight for what is right. She shows us that when you see something that isn't right nothing is going to change unless something is said. Sophie didn't let people get away with things and it is something that everyone should see and incorporate into their lives. She is truly a positive influence on everyone.
ReplyDeleteAt a time where there was so much terror and oppression, these people were no less than heroes. While many people may only hear of the terrors and all the worst about that time period, the bravery and the dedication of these people shine through I kill lights. It may only take something small, with only a few dedicated people, but it can spark something absolutely huge. Even in the face of danger and the face of certain death, the defendants admitted everything, and they stood behind what they said. They believed in their values, and that can inspire me and so many others to follow the example of their true strength and apply that to our lives. Sophie’s story is absolutely one-of-a-kind.
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ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl’s story was truly inspiring to hear. She had the courage to stand up for what she believed in, even when no one else joined her. She was committed to making sure that her voice was heard and continued to be the brave woman that she was to make her point known. She was not going to just ignore the violence happening, she was going to use her voice to stick up for not only herself but for others who were too scared to do so. Sophie held her head up high until the very end and her legacy lived on. Her actions exhibited true courage, strength and determination.
ReplyDeleteI believe the only time I have ever heard about the White Rose was in my history class last year as we were learning about Hitler’s rise to power and those who opposed him. Other than that, I have not looked into the White Rose before, I just knew they opposed Hitler and his government. But after reading Sophie and the White Rose’s story, I realized that they were more than just a resistance group. They were warriors for their country’s freedom. Reading how honorable Sophie and Hans went to their deaths makes me think about the human spirit. How strong it can be especially in times of peril. How Sophie stood up for what she believed in and how that showed me the beauty of believing in something and having the courage to stand by your choice. Her choice was in a time of war hence it was a huge choice to resist the leader and go against what the people believed/what Hitler made them believe. It was risky as it was also incredibly dangerous. Yet they still stood up for what was right. It makes me think about how powerful the human spirit or nature can be. I saw that Sophie’s choice proved that choices of love require courage and understanding. In this case, what motivated her to make this choice was the love for her country and its people. She wanted to fight back against the social injustice that was being done to the people of Germany; she had the courage and honor to make her choice and follow through with it.
ReplyDeleteAnd, to think about the impact her courage led to was amazing, she opened the people of Germany’s eyes. Made them think about who Hitler was. Moreover, her courage still lives on, she is still remembered and appreciated for her courage, dignity, and honor. It's astonishing to think about how people can stand up for what's right even when they know its dangerous and there are those who don’t believe in them. This can be applied to today’s society too. How there are so many problems going on in the political world and how there are some who stand up for what they believe in and those who stay silent as well. This also reminds me of the current novel we’re reading and how the women within the novel have to have the courage to endure throughout their lives. Overall, I believe that Sophie’s story, her bravery, and courage are inspiring to people everywhere because her story shows standing up for what's right matters even if your standing alone.
I was inspired by this story in a way that I almost never thought I could be. Sophie was very brave standing up for what she believed in, and she impacted so many people. That was the biggest inspiration to me, I think, was the impact that her words had on so many people. If standing up for what you believe in has that appalling of an effect, then why wouldn't words saying the opposite have as much of an effect? This story really showed the powerfulness of words and how they can impact so many people. Sure, Sophie's story was on an extreme scale, but I think that everyone can stand to learn from this and choose their words wisely.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about the story about Sophie Scholl I was extremely moved. I find it to be such an inspiring and influential story. I think Sophie showed extreme courage as she fought for what she believed to be right. Instead of standing back and letting what she disagreed with happen, she voiced her opinion and tried to make a difference in the world. I find that in the present, we all tend to have our disagreements, but we fail to do something about it. Sophie was an example of someone who didn't let opposition get in her way as she continued to post the leaflets. I was also moved by her strength and dedication to her opinion. Even in the end, she could not deny the truth, but she still met death with little fear because she knew what she did would make a difference. Her story is truly something to remember and apply to the situations we face in our society.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Sophie Scholl as well as her brother and the White Rose is a truly inspirational and moving story. She was willing to fight for those she didn't know in a hope to bring about change and the humanity the world was seeming to lose. Even when facing her own death she put on a smile for those she loved and knew that it would not only change their lives but those throughout Germany. It is difficult to admit to disagreement and to share your opinion when there are such consequences that come with just few words, but Sophie and all those involved in the White Rose acted selflessly and for the benefit of the many they knew they could help. We may not be able to achieve this on such a large scale, but her story reminds us that we all have a voice and should use it to inspire change and justice.
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by this time in history, therefore I've read many, many different stories about peoples' actions and their experiences. However, this is by far one the most inspirational of the bunch. People like Sophie are extremely hard to find. This is most likely why her actions had such drastic results. I hope to have even the smallest amount of courage she had during these trying times, in my life.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard the story of Sophie Scholl before, but I was very moved by her actions and decisions to step up against authority. Although she originally believed in the legitimacy of Hitler and thought he truly was doing good things for her country, her mind was changed as she heard from her father and began to slowly see the effects of Hitler's leadership. When she spoke against him and the things he was doing, she faced the consequences. The idea of standing against the expectations of society is obviously present, but it brought up another concept of the legitimacy of our authority. Most people follow the people in leadership, even if they are incorrect or doing something wrong. Sophie is an example of someone that became informed and stood up against incorrect actions, and we need to learn to do the same.
ReplyDeleteIts funny how throughout history thoes who have taken the biggest leaps of faith for what they believe in are sometimes not remeberd or widely taught about . Throughout history you hear about the greastest of leaders or the most inspirational of speakers but not much is told about the common person as history eventually fades the marks they put on this earth through time . But contrary to this thought many may think during their weekly existential crisis the common persons like these of sophie's father and her band of friends that know that deep down something is wrong despite what reality seems to be and in the face of what everyone says is true thoes who dare take a step back from the line everyone stands in to see that the line everyone was standing in was one of lies as in the front they may see that many kneel before a leader's throne un aware it is built of lies . The people that dare to go against are courageous as thy break from what they may have thought was true as well as break away from thoes they love . The courage to do this is rare as it is one that you may find that you have to encourage yourself in the journey and this story is one of many inspirational examples of this scarse courage that humans may possess dispite their flaws , this is the courage to be the one to make a change in the name of our common humanity and for the virtues and the betterment of us all .
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DeleteI found this story not only extremely interesting, but also inspiring. It's a true example of raw bravery and dedication. Making the choice to stand up for your beliefs is definitely a hard one, but that gets even harder when the possibility of death is involved. I can barely grasp this feeling, and I can't imagine truly being in this scenario. This story is quite powerful, and shows exquisite selflessness as well as courage. The fact that no witnesses were necessary as the defendants had admitted to everything genuinely blows my mind. I cannot begin to comprehend the feelings and emotions that come with risking your life to save another.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of the name of Sophie Scholl until I read this blog, but now I’m glad that I at least know a little about her. I don’t think the word brave is enough to describe what she and her brothers did for the resistance. A combination of selflessness and bravery might be a better way to describe what she did. I think it’s very bold of her to stand up against the Nazi Regime especially during that time when almost everyone else was on board with Hitler. The fact that she knew the consequences of her actions but still stood up for what she believed in is incredibly inspiring. One of the parts that I found most inspiring was in the trailer when the man told her to admit to what she had done, and she did so without hesitation even when she was advised not to. I believe she knew that what she was doing was going to inspire many others in a lot of ways even if that wasn’t her main goal. Overall, the story of Sophie Scholl showed me that by standing up for what you believe in you can do great things and inspire others to do so as well.
ReplyDeleteI will be perfectly honest and say that the quote, "Always stand up for what's right; even if you're standing alone" is something very familiar to me, but I didn't know where it came from. Now knowing where it came from and the reason behind the saying there is so much more apparent that I have for Sophie Scholl. To me, she stands to be one of the strongest and bravest women that should be known. To stand for what you believe in and to be threatened each and every day to give something up but never saying a word about. Only that she will continue fighting no matter what the saying or do to her; she didn't let her voice be silenced. I cannot say for certain that Sophie knew how much of an impact she made on society, but I can tell you how much she is now inspiring many to stand for what they believe in confidently. Also wish to point out that I feel that Sophie changes the meaning of a white rose, from today's time the meaning of innocence to what Sophie portrayed has protection. The white rose something that protected her, it gave her courage. Now when I look at a white rose I will feel protect and strong because of what Sophie Scholl has done and proven.
ReplyDeleteSophie's story is truly amazing. I love the courage that she possessed to be able to defy her government. And it was amazing that was able to create such an impact just by her words. It's interesting that her organization was named The White Rose. I believe it meant standing out. Most roses you find are the red ones. They are used all the time. But rarely will you see the white ones used. Sophie, like a white rose, stood out from in the crowd and challenged the status quo even she and her brother knew it meant certain death. Sophie was willing to speak the truth and point out the flaws with her government. Maybe we should pay attention to more people like Sophie, instead of telling them that they are ungrateful and unpatriotic.
ReplyDeleteSophie was truly inspiring. She didn't stop fighting for what she believed in even when it cost her her life. This aspect of history has amazing stories of people who fought for what they believed in even when no one else would and Sophie is a perfect example of the bravery during this time.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl's story was very inspirational. I have not heard of this story before and Sophie and Hans showed bravery as well as dedication. This makes me want to be more courageous and stand up for more things.
ReplyDeleteSophie's story is a truly inspiring one. She is a person based who stood up for what she believed in no matter what other people told her. She fought for what she wanted even though she had to accept defeat. Even though Sophie was killed she still had the courage to perceiver through what she wanted to accomplish, being the first person to stand up against the Natzi’s. The fact that she was able to set up six anti - Natzi political eaflets and do this without being caught until the 6th one, goes to show how remarkable she actually is. Sophie and her brother both put their lives at stake to stand up for what they believed in. This is what everyone else around the world should be doing as well, except for ending the lives of someone trying to make a difference in the world. We should be trying to change the world to be a better place, instead of making it worse.
ReplyDeleteI found this story truly inspiring. It show bravery and courage in times where it was quite rare. It shows that you can stand up for what right, even if it's risking your own life. The name of the "White Rose" is very interesting to me. A white rose is a sign of purity, innocence, and overall unity. Which I found was most significant within this article. The unity that this group had to stand up against a government of hate and misfortune is what I found most fascinating out of this story. What I take back from this story is to be brave, and to stand up for what is right no matter how bad it can be.
ReplyDeleteSophie and her brother are very inspiring. They didn't stop fighting for what they believed in, even when it lead to their deaths. This shows that no matter the consequences you should never stop believing or fighting for what you believe in. If you believe in it, you can help others believe in it.
ReplyDeleteI thought Sophie's story was very inspiring. To have a young woman stand up for what she believed in and protest against a dictatorship really empowers women and inspires them to stand up for themselves and their beliefs. She even risked her own life, and after her death, her words spread like wild fire. She was the spark to the rebellion against Hitler and her words live on to this day. The "White Rose" is very interesting and I would love to learn more about it!
ReplyDeleteWhile dying for our cause is something some of us may not want to do, the actions of Sophie and her other 2 companions are an ultimate example of courageousness and even an example of leadership. Her story is very inspiring for young adults, as it shows that rebelling isn't always childish and young people can make a significant difference. I also found it inspiring that all three of them showed no sign of frailty before their executions-they were strong, full of faith, and had no regrets. That is something I hope to have when I stand up for what I believe in.
ReplyDeleteIt is inspiring and courageous for someone so young to be so passionate about freedom that they are willing to die in order for others to experience such freedom. Personally I thought their actions were very surprising considering that they were former supporters of Hitler. They had switched from two compositely different sides of a spectrum yet they were so passionate and firmly believed that Hitler was evil even though everyone in this time period believed otherwise. I think that Sophia was an amazing person and it was truly incredible how unafraid she was of death as long as she died for freedom.
ReplyDeleteWhat stuck out to me the most about this story is how the wave of people against Hitler started. It started as a brother and sister pair who, even though they were German, understood that what Hitler was doing was wrong. They composed an essay with 6 copies passed out by hand, and by the end, it was spreading to graffiti on walls all around the country. This is a great an example of how something so seemingly insignificant can have such a large impact.
ReplyDeleteUpon reading this article, I recognize the inspirational capacity possessed by Sophie and others like her. When tragedy strikes, either coincidental or as a result of nature, or orchestrated by man, rarely are there those who are willing to speak out against injustice at minimal expense, let alone that of their lives. Thus, merely through two people taking initiative sparse even in those who are collectively conscious of people being infringed upon in an inhumane manner, a message can spread to encompass the globe, attributable to their commendable bravery.
ReplyDeleteIt truly amazes me that Sophie, Hans, and Christoph had all died as a punishment of voicing and sharing not only their opinions but awareness for what was really going on at the time. Not only did they fight against authority/ political figures, but they were strong and brave enough to encourage others to share similar beliefs, and push others to do so as well. The story also shocks me in a certain way, this is because if you were to apply this similar situation to modern times, the result would have been much different, where today it is common to see many people disagree and not support political leaders and the actions of them as well. To see that they were punished for attempting to inform and change the mindset of the public is quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteGoing into reading I knew about the group and her story. Her life has been a real inspiration to me because it shows that no matter what the world is doing you should do what you feel is right. She demonstrates with her life that in order to fight for what we believe in we need to do everything that we can to fight for our cause. The students that fought have shown students today that they can fight for the cause. They were an inspiration to the March for Our Lives movement by demonstrating how they can stand even when they are young.
ReplyDeleteThrough reading the article, and viewing the trailer video, it is amazing how much courage one person can possess. Nowadays, that type of courage is not seen in society, or even thought of by individuals. Today, lots of people lack that level of courage due to the fact or what others think of them and how they will be viewed. Today's world is so fearful of what others think of them that problems aren't solved due to the lack of courage they possess, that we all possess. SO many problems have the potential to be solved but remain existing due to the small little fears of the soft society. The amount of courage that Sophie possessed is something that would get our society a long way in the issues we face today. Standing up for what you believe in is going out of style and it needs to be a normal thing again!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video and reading the article, I am in so much shock of how moved I am, this woman is an inspiration to me. What her, her brother, and friend did was extraordinary, and it truly shows how Germany was during this time. I mean... death my guillotine? Is that really necessary? They were young adults, they were seen as children to many. I really want to watch the movie... Sophie showed that you do not have to stick in with the crowd to make a movement, go out of your comfort zone, do what hasnt been done. I am so glad the allies found this and used it against Germany, it was a way to show that yes, you did kill these people who did nothing to harm, but they lived on. They lived on through their beliefs. Always stand up for what you believe.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Scholl Story and so many others like it, should be more publicly taught. There are many who feel that any noise we make in the attempt to make a difference, will just be drowned out by the roaring tides of a nation in the midst of a storm. This story should be one note, that one can make a difference and be heard. The choice of inaction should never be made. One should always stand up for oneself, and especially for those who cannot speak themselves. I thought it was a bittersweet end to Sophie's tale. Gone... but her legacy not forgotten. I do hope that there will be a couple more Sophie's in the world, sharing their thoughts to make the world a better place. Who knows? We might have just enough from this blog...
ReplyDeleteLovely. I think you are right. We just might.
DeleteIt is fascinating to see the impact that came with Sophie's words. It was possible that the leaflet alone would not have been enough to make a change, but her words definitely had an effect on some people who were able to get the word out even after her death. It reminds me of the ad we watched in class about the blind man where the woman changed how the sign said what he was trying to get across. That alone made a huge different for him. It was all in they way Sophie worded her final words that made a difference.
ReplyDeleteI definitely find solace in the words of Sophie. Theres just something about the words of a strong advocate that makes me feel comforted. Like someone is finally doing something good for the world. I definitely feel inspired when I see/ hear stories much like Sophie's where someone has a much larger impact on a community in which they live. Sometimes it can feel very easy to get drowned out in the communities we live in and feel like the little things we do have little to no impact on our surroundings when in reality, we, much like Sophie, can have a large impact on more than just those around us. If I could, I would love to live my life in this fashion where I do absolutely everything in my power to just try to make the world a better place. Whether that be encouraging those around me or advocating for something I feel should be changed, I want to feel like I left an impact on my community. In part, this is why i'm so involved with my school because I want to make sure that when I'm off for college, the school I left behind is a school that I would genuinely be excited to go to entering as a freshman.
ReplyDeleteThe whole story of these young people standing up for what they believe was truly inspiring. The courage and bravery these people had was amazing. It was crazy seeing how these people went from Nazi followers to going against them through publicly fighting them. They literally died fighting against a belief. It is crazy how they didn't hurt anyone they only published a piece of writing against the Nazi belief and got killed because of it. They were speaking their minds and beliefs and were murdered because of it. The fact that they changed their beliefs in their lives from believing in the Nazi ways to going against it such amazing thing. These 3 siblings were so strong and brave against the Nazis at such a young age.
ReplyDeleteThe story of morality is truly inspiring. The White Rose as a whole saw injustice and did what they could to rise up against what they saw as wrong. That type of motivation is truly what one needs, it motivates me to push further and to make myself a better person.
ReplyDeleteForgetting to do this blog was a mistake, but it is a mistake that may have benefited me in the end. While I've forgotten to do it, I went to Europe and saw the exact place where Sophie Scholl spread her pamphlets over the ground. It's hard to believe the sacrifices she made just around the same age as me and especially to stand in the same square as her legacy. But I also believe her cause and fight against injustice was truly admirable and what I strive to be like. You don't have to be an adult to make or stand up for change and I think Sophie is a great example for everyone. It's hard to stand up in such rough times against rough circumstances, but it matters most because her actions touched and inspired others to rise to action.
ReplyDeleteTo me this is a prime example of the importance of being able to express your thoughts and opinions openly and I think is proof of the idea that when injustice is recognized in the world our power of language is what holds that injustice accountable. I also think that Sophie knew the ramifications of her actions but was so faithful to the belief that what she was doing was bigger than herself and ultimately rejected the fear that came with that knowledge. The trailer for the movie was interesting but I definitely think it was dated and I would hope doesn't do the full movie justice.
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