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
I think that Sophie Scholl's story is inspiring because of how little her actions were. If you just look at the action, Sophie did not do much, however, the little bit that she did do was of big consequence. It is inspiring to see how a little action can change the world, and her story is one of that. I think making it a movie, as long as the movie is honest to history, is a good idea as it teaches people, in an entertaining way, the story of of Sophie Scholl.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about Sophie Scholl with her incredible actions such as standing up against the Nazi’s made me realize how much of an impact that made for our world today. She was a huge risk taker when knowing she could have been in danger by the Nazi’s. People nowadays have trouble taking risks or are just too scared of confrontation because they think something wrong could happen. Something wrong could happen but facing your fear leads to becoming a better person. I say Sophie Scholl’s story could impact people's lives and motivate them to stand up for themselves to get through life even though you have to face some obstacles during the process. We could use her story as a source of future reference on times we feel isn't the best or just too nerve racking to actually commit something. -Jared Mamaradlo
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ReplyDeleteI think that Sophie Scholl's story is inspiring because she could have just been silent and not stand up against the Nazis but she didn't. Even though she knew the risks of getting caught she didn't stop resisting against the Nazis. Though she did little in resisting against the Nazis it still made a big impact on the history of Germany during World War II. To me I think that making a movie about her story makes a great impact of the actions her and her fellow resisters made during World War II.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl's action's are not only incredible but inspiring to read about. In a time in which saying anything negative about the regime in charge could leave you exiled, put into concentration camps or even killed on the spot. Her an her brother were a fighting force for anti-Nazi beliefs and in the end they had died for their cause. I can't say if that's what they wanted for certain, but I believe that's exactly the end they would want for one another. To be killed in the name of anti-Nazism to show the world the true evil of the Third Reich. They risked their lives everyday for a good cause and I truly hope I can be like them one day.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl's actions are inspiring, especially in the movie I watched as a film student. She and her brother chose to do a very dangerous, but needed actions for freedom. They, Sophie and Hans, deserve to be remembered for their actions.
ReplyDelete-This is Carol. Google just put me on the wrong account for this.
DeleteSophie Scholl's story is incredibly inspiring. She knew that speaking out against the Nazi party was dangerous, but she did it anyway. She was willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of others. While she may not have lived to see her legacy, I find it inspiring that she was able to touch so many people even in death.
ReplyDeleteDanielle:I find it interesting that Sophie and Hans originally supported Hitler but then joined the white rose fighting against the Nazis knowing well if they get caught they will die. Not only did she correct her thinking she didn't back down from her new resolve. Sophie and her friends were the first to criticizes the regime in the country. They had started their own freedom fighting group and made leaflets to tell their peers they need to act now and destroy the regime. They knew if they were found out by the gestapo they would die, instead of stopping they continued to spread the word. Sophie and the white rose got the ball rolling for usurping the injustice in their own country and creating self awareness in the country. Instead of denying what they did in the trail they proudly admitted their great deed, knowing they would die for it. Not many her age could be as brave and as inspiring as her. She was phenomenal and did not die in vain.
ReplyDeleteSophie's actions were inspiring because of the amount bravery and courage she had. She did not let the fear of consequences stop her from fighting for what she believed in. Although her actions were small, they had a significant impact on others.
ReplyDelete-madeline stlouis
DeleteI find Sophie Scholl's story to be so incredible. Her courage in every aspect of her actions is highly admirable. She was unbelievably selfless as she did not fall or crumble when it came to her or her brother's life. From an outside perspective there didn't seem to be an ounce of second guessing herself as she showed no regret whatsoever.
ReplyDeletePeople who often courageously defy in these ways go unseen for quite some time. Even in today's world there are many people who risk their lives to spread truth but go unheard or unseen by so many people. Which is unfortunate due to the immense lack of truths that are spread everyday. Quite large ones as well that have a massive impact on the way we live and what we believe.
The inspiring actions of Sophie Scholl and those who act in the same ways should never be disregarded.
Sophie Scholl's story shows the courage that we so often lack. She went through an incredible amount of hardship and yet continued to show grit. This story helps show how even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.
ReplyDeleteTo further elaborate on this, even though during her life her acts of courage never produced fruit it planted the seeds for others to act and build upon her actions. This action also shows the importance in spreading truth regardless of the consequences, as by standing to the side and letting injustice thrive is the same as committing the act yourself.
DeleteSophie Scholl and the members of the White Rose resistance were brave, persistent soldiers seeking to make the truth known. Sophie chose to print and publish the truth that she believed, words that the Allies were able to use in WW2. Sophie didn’t know the impact that her actions had, and I think that is both challenging and inspiring. Our words and actions are important and we have no idea the impact that they can have on those around us. Sophie Scholl and the White Rose were inspiring in the spreading of truth.
ReplyDeleteI have always been inspired by telling your truth in the face of controversy. Sophie Scholl demonstrates this and her bravery has made an impact on history. Not in the same way that a war hero might, she uses her words and truth to fight for what she believes is right even in the face of execution. This is very inspiring to me and I think a movie being made, as long as it is authentic, looks very interesting and a great way to pass down history through the telling of stories (TOK).
ReplyDeleteThe movie is as authentic as it can be! The script is actual records of her interrogation! We watched it as a family. You can watch it on youtube. It's BRILLIANT.
DeleteMs. Scholl’s story is truly unique. When reading the depiction of Sophie’s walk to her death I can picture it vividly. I can imagine the look on her face, the prowess with which she walked with, and her stare of determination. There were so many obstacles for Sophie and her fellow activists, and yet they persisted. I think this is because they knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that what they were doing was right. If I were to grow up in the same environment as Sophie I’m not sure I could do what she did. I would be proud of myself to even muster a tenth of the courage that she had. Her moral compass showed through, and she will be remembered forever because of it. I think their method of dropping the leaflets and leaving is brilliant for the time. Now, scientists might be able to collect fingerprints, but at the time something so bold like that in such a highly monitored location is amazing.
ReplyDeleteSame! The film is brilliant. It left me in total awe. When I was in Munich, I saw a memorial dedicated to her at the University and it left me speechless.
DeleteSophie Scholl’s story is very inspiring. She decided to stand up for what she believed in despite the consequences. She wanted to speak out and she knew all of the consequences yet she still decided to do it which is very inspiring. I think that making the movie is a good idea because it will spread the story around but I think it would only be beneficial if the true story is told and the whole history was included in the movie or else it won't make as much of an impact.
ReplyDelete- Aubrey Montgomery
It is! The movie script is actually the authentic transcripts of Sophie's interrogation. The film is AMAZING. My whole family watched it together and were stunned.
DeleteSophie Scholl is someone who stood up for her ideals and beliefs in a hostile environment. In a place where she could be killed for her words, she chose to speak out and challenge the people pushing to keep her and her ideas in the ground and out of the minds of the people. She is truly an inspiring person whos story is important and should be looked at by everyone who feels that they aren't being heard.
ReplyDeleteControversies with the government were not a usual time for citizens to speak up against the government. Sophie Scholl and the members of the White Rose resistance were not only speaking what they believed but also showing the other citizens around them that they can fight for what they believed in as well. Sophie and the members of the White Rose resistance also showed the future generations that would be reading about them that they should always be brave and fight for what is right because our words and actions mean so much. Without words and actions, we wouldn't even really be ourselves, because everyone would be the same and the world would be boring and run by one person who acted for everyone. Our words and actions can make history and be a voice for others who have the same views but don't want to speak up.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the fear that Sophie felt in her final moments, laying her head in the opening of the Guillotine. She knew what she was fighting for, and she stayed true to her beliefs. It's only human to experience doubt or fear in the face of adversity, but where I may have swayed, Sophie stood like a rock. She knew what the result would be of her rebellion, and I can only imagine that it fueled her, drove her to keep pushing. I think I would have liked to know her, I can imagine how headstrong and immovable she must have been. Rather than use her last words calling for her mother, a friend, or help, she called out for justice, for change in the regime. Her lesson teaches us to be courageous, stand up in the face of adversity, question what is considered "right", and fight. Never stop fighting.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl's story is inspiring because even though the actions she took where not very grand. yet she spoke out in a way that very well could and did end up with her in a very bad position. this shows a grate amount of bravery an amount of bravery most lack. it also shows that you do not need to do anything big every little bit is helpful and worth while.
ReplyDeleteI think that Sophie Scholl's story is incredibly inspiring. Even during the hardships not only her but her family was going through, she stayed true to what she believed in and what she thought was right.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Sophie realized how much her final words would mean in the long run of history. I can't imagine the fear she was feeling when walking to her death, it's inspiring to how she was able to still speak her truth in her final moments.
It puts the present times into perspective, even if we're facing the hard things life throws at us, it's important to stay true to what you believe.
AGREE!!
DeleteSophie's story is so so insipring. To go through something like that and yet she still kept her values?? She never quit and in times like that it is so easy to just give in. The mental strength and "legacy" she carries with her last words and just everything that follows her life and last moments before death is so inspiring. The bravery it takes to be able to speak on issues that are going on, well aware that it could have ended in death because of her beliefs is the definition of bravery and sticking to your values. Its sooo important to stay firm in your beliefs.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl's Story is inspiring as it demonstrates her bravery as he though she likely knew the consequences of her actions she still kept going and never stopped trying to reveal the truth even in her dangerous situation. I think it really shows that even in the hardest of times one should still stay true to what is right.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though the courage it took for Sophie Scholl to face death without showing fear is increadibly inspiring. The williness to acept her fate when she feels she is right and just is beautiful. Her and her brother and his friend were also quite courageous to distribute anti-Nazi pamphlets at the University of Munich. However, the way she was caught feels as though it was easily presented if she had stuck to the original plan of putting pamphlets in the empty halls for students to see after class. When she flung the pamphlets from high in the atrium was her downfall and a stupid reason for her to bea caught. I feel that her bravery in the face of immenent death is commendable but the reason she was arrested is far from it.
ReplyDeleteThere is more to the story. You should watch the film! She was honestly, one of the bravest people I have had the honor of reading about.
DeleteSophie Scholl's story is inspiring because her actions were small, yet wielded a gigantic consequence. She fearlessly stood up for what she believed in a dangerous environment and received death, yet her actions still reached the people and made a huge change. She sacrificed her life to make others' lives better.
ReplyDeleteSophie's story embodies bravery and inspiration. She took her bravery to the next level by standing up for what she believed in, even though she probably knew the consequences of her actions. She used her truth to influence other countries to take action against Germany. She risked her own life for justice and to stand up for what was right which take immense confidence to do. If I were in Sophie's place, I do not know if I would be as brave as her.
ReplyDeleteAs a film student, I have to say that I am very familiar with Sophie Scholl's story, as you had had us watch it the previous year. I believe that her story is a very important part of human history, as it perfectly encompasses the idea of opposition no matter the odds and no matter the consequences in order to stand for what you believe is right and just.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl shows perseverance and courage. She walked to her death with her head up accepting her death. She knew why and she knew it was over. She knew what she did and she accepted it as a whole. Her story is inspiring because of the courage she had. She went into life and out of life filled with courage, I think that what everyone wants to be remembered as, at least in some sort of way; as courageous and brave.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Vazquez
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl and her determination in justice is unbelievable. It's inspiring to see someone who is walking to their death to not show an ounce of fear, but knowing how she's going to make an impact regardless. The courage and willingness to take action on what's right to her with the dangerous consequences in mind is powerful. Her final saying before her death is what is inspiring because she knows that her (and the White Rose) legacy will carry on changing history forever, even if she isn't there for it to be put into affect.
Although Sophie's story is objectively inspiring, initially i couldn't help but to debate weither or not her actions were that of bravery or recklessness. As even though she was doing something that she thought was right she willing walked the path that lead her to her unfortunate death. However, as I started to learn more about her story it became apparent to me that she is someone above the title of bravery as she had a realization about the hypocrisy and the transgressions her oppressive government was committing against its own people and through conscious self sacrifice for something she believed in, she chose to do something above herself, even if her actions were seemly small. What is truly remarkable and inspiring is that she stood up for what she believed with an unshakable disposition of liberty carried out with unwavering courage.
ReplyDelete- Jasmine Redfield
The time period during the Nazi regime is was a dark and vicious time to live, especially for free-thinkers. I have learned of many stories of courage, of people who looked death in the eye and not blinked and yet I think Sophie's story is the most inspiring and impactful. To go from being a member of the Hitler Youth to committing "treason" against the Nazi government means that Sophie had the strength to challenge her beliefs. Sophie knew that no matter how small her actions were, she would start something that would create change. Sophie Scholls stands out as one of the most courageous and inspiring people during Nazi Germany.
ReplyDeleteThe word courageous on its own can not account for the absolute hero of freedom Sophie Scholl was. To be only 21 years old and to have the conviction to stand for your morals no matter the cost is so admirable. After hearing her story, I am left in complete awe of the strength of her character. Even when told she was going to pay for her "crimes" by death, she did not wavier in her decision and had even smiled during her last goodbyes because she knew that her actions could inspire bigger change. Sophie was incredibly selfless and sacrificed herself for the greater good of justice and freedom in Germany.
ReplyDeleteActually, she was younger---only 17 when she died. She was amazing, for sure!
DeleteThe strength of Sophie, Hans, and Christoph is incredible. It's amazing to see that they were young and yet were able to reject the Nazi viewpoint despite so many other Germans being influenced by it. Sophie's selflessness in using her last words to inspire others is timeless, seeing that even now we are being influenced by them. I wonder how she would react knowing that decades in the future, her story is still being told and that she continues to be an inspiration years after her time.
ReplyDeleteI think her sacrifice wasn’t just for herself. She is definitely inspiring as she did what she did for others no matter the consequence it brought upon herself. Her commitment to truth and what it stood for in the long game seemed to be her driving force, something that a lot of people probably don’t have or acknowledge. “Truth can be rare, it is delightful to tell it” has a lot more meaning as Sophie demonstrated it, the truth during that time was definitely sparse but when The White Rose stood up for it, and the fliers rained down, it must have been a delightful sight for all who beheld it.
ReplyDeleteThe part of Sophie, Hans, and Christoph’s story that stood out most to me was that although they had been raised in the same environment as everyone else, they did not choose the same path of blatant acceptance like everyone else. They had experienced Hitler Youth and the boys had experienced fighting for Germany in the war, but they still didn’t buy into the extreme Nazi nationalism that captivated other German citizens. They loved their country so much that they fought to preserve it against the government, not blindly support it. I also love and admire when Sophie said, “Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don’t dare to express themselves as we did.” These students weren’t people who simply stood with the crowd. They knew that being the first to stand out would have harsher consequences, but they did it courageously anyway, knowing it would open the door for other like-minded individuals to have the courage to do the same. We can learn so much from the bravery of these young individuals to speak out for what is right, even when everyone else is standing for what is wrong.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Sophie understood at that time the risks of what she was doing and was aware of what would happen is she got caught. She represents those who aren't afraid of the consequences for telling the truth and she probably knew that some people in Germany knew the truth but didn't say anything about the Nazi regime amid to the fear of the consequences if they were afraid to get caught. What also amazes is me is how a student rather than an adult citizen would speak out against this as she was from birth, raised under the Nazi Regime with no understanding of how life was before yet she saw passed all the lies of the propaganda and had the courage to make a stand even if it meant passing out pamphlets.
ReplyDelete- Lukas Miskov
Excellent point!! It makes her that much more inspiring!
DeleteThe story of Sophie Scholl is not only inspiring, it’s humanizing. Having read her story and seen the film, Sophie Scholl: The Final Days, it is emphasized the amount of strength she held throughout her final days. No matter what, throughout the film, Sophie wore red against a backdrop of gray, symbolizing how she had a presence that interrupted the accustomed world and would remain to be remembered. Her story is simple, yet powerful as the choice to act through inaction is what created the legacy that lives on today. Facilitated by the manner in which she and her comrades stood in the face of death and held onto their beliefs, Sophie Scholl is a soul to be remembered. I know that, personally, their story has set an unattainable level of strength and courage within me, but has encouraged me to continue believing even in the darkest hours. Going down putting up a fight for the greater good of humanity: what a heavenly way to die. Sophie Scholl truly was granted eternal life.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this. Yes, I am so glad you watched the film!!
DeleteI find this story very inspirational, especially as a woman. Not only was Sophie going against the government, she was making movements against womens standards of the time as well. I loved in the trailer when she said that she wanted to receive the same punishment as her brother. Overall I think her message is applicable to our time period. We don’t receive the same violent treatment but political and social influences can put pressure on us to change our perspective. We need to remain firm in our perspectives and beliefs like Sophie. I love how convicted she is in her cause and the courage which she displays.
ReplyDelete-Charleigh
The courage to face death in the face is a rare attribute among those with conscious will making Sophie's story especially great. She accepted her actions as a whole and recognized death without an inch of fear. To commit treason against the Nazi régime showing her resolve and commitment to her morals it was outstanding and showed such a strong will. Her chase for the truth was remarkable to grow up in the Regime and have to press through the lies it took extreme dedication. Sophie Scholl through her demise was immortalized.
ReplyDelete-Xavier Trujillo
I am appalled by the courage that Sophie Scholl represented, especially when she knew the consequence that would result. She expressed the truth, in the direst of situations. It represents how she did not consider her fate at the time, but instead considered others and looked towards future generations, to create a better future for all. It was inspiring how in her final moments she was not dreading death or regretting her actions, yet instead of enjoying the last moments with her parents and sharing happiness. We can realize, it was people like Sophie who allowed these stories to be carried on, and for us to praise hers and everyone else’s efforts. History was inspired and changed through the little acts of courage displayed by Sophie and her friends, which carry on her legacy. The time of the Nazis is often viewed as a failure of society, yet it welcomed new voices to be heard, and the truth to be exposed from the lies. I find the idea of seeing Germany through two separate lenses interesting. Those lenses being, one that is barbaric and another that is courageous and honorable, really defend the bias that all were ruthless in Germany.
ReplyDeleteSophie is so inspiring and powerful. Watching the trailer just further showed her unwavering strength. It's beautiful the way she stayed true to herself and her values. I can only wish that I would have the strength that the members of the White Rose had. I strive to live by her final words, with a willingness to stand by truth.
ReplyDelete-Rory
Sophie’s story is so inspiring and she had such a strong will to go against the odds and stand up against her government despite the costs it brought her and those involved. She was willing to pay with her life to bring freedom to her people with her words, which held much power for those who were remaining silent and became many voices in one. With her voice she was able to leave behind a legacy and a person one aspires to become, and I can’t wait to see how the film shows us the whole story, which I’ll be watching at a later point for film class.
ReplyDelete-Danae Martinez
Reading Sophies story felt very much like the plot of a book. A moment that seems to end tragically, her death as a result of her actions, is followed by a bittersweet revenge as millions of copies of her posters were dropped over Germany. Just as she said, the death of individual, which happened to be herself, resulted in her message being spread much further than it ever could have when she was alive. By valuing selflessness of individual gain, she showed exactly what it means to fight for change and stand up for what you believe in.
ReplyDeleteSophie's story is very important and notable although her actions may appear small. She used what she had to influence others and try to share what she believed was right. It is an example for everyone that the intention is just as important as the action and to be confident in your actions. She was very brave and did not falter in her beliefs, showing her dedication and focus.
ReplyDeleteCharles Gregg
First off, how inspiring! Sophie Scholl along with her brother hold all of my respect. She embodied all means of a true activist as she fought relentlessly in her anti-violence movements within White Rose. Having seen the memorial of the letters in Germany myself, I am deeply inspired by her story now that more context has been shed on her actions alongside her achievements. I believe our biggest take away from this as a society is that, if something is unjust, speak up and lead with courage. What Sophie Scholl did was immeasurable compared to that simple piece of advice, her ability to remain composed even at her final moments at the guillotine further proves how confident she was with her work and what she had achieved. Her legacy thrives to this day because of her relentlessness,a legacy that should never be forgotten or taken for granted.
ReplyDeleteYES...that was so impactful, wasn't it?
DeleteSophie, Hans, and Christopher’s story is fascinating. I don’t know if I would have the courage or the strength to not only repeatedly publish such dissenting opinions, but to also openly admit to it during a trial for my life. They, and those who worked with them, are true testimonies to the gravity of action in bleak times.
ReplyDeleteThis feels particularly important to consider with the current situation in Ukraine. Much like the White Rose members, President Zelenskyy has directly opposed an imposing, strong government. His primary method for doing this is through his speeches, commenting that Ukraine will continue to fight and will not back down. It’s interesting to see history repeating itself in such a way.
It is, indeed. I hope and pray against all odds that the Ukraine proves victorious.
DeleteI thought that the last section of the article summed it up nicely saying that the White Rose represented the other half of Germany, the Poets and the artists. This seemed to draw emphasis to the importance and power that words have. Simple words strung together cause terrible nations to tremble and empower the littlest of people. Sophie and her friends were not afraid to use their words to express their deadly opinions and truths but use them to sow seeds of hope in their war-torn environment.
ReplyDeleteBoth the trailer and the article seemed to accurately show the bravery and courage that the Scholls and their friends possessed when it came to fighting for freedom for their country and for what was right. And the article further depicts and emphasizes the power of words and thoughts. Through the leaflets, the Scholls and the rest of their friends brought the "other side" of Germany back. They brought forth what the article describes as the "land of the poets and thinkers", rather than the "land of barbarians" that it was under the Nazi Regime. With words alone they helped influence an internal resistance that made the Nazi shake and tremble and help idealize what that would one day become modern Germany.
ReplyDeleteSophie's story really resembles how brave she was. Its pretty inspiring to see how she stood up for what she believed in and when facing death she was very brave.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scroll is a particularly inspiring individual because she showed true, utter commitment to not only her cause, but to her beliefs and values. She knew she was facing a goliath when she started handing out those pamphlets and though she did not win in a traditional manner, her death worked a thousand times as greatly as her leaflets and ended up providing an alternative way to win the battle. I’m not sure if Sophie knew she would be a martyr when she was executed, but regardless, her commitment to the anti-Nazi belief is astounding and her impact motivates me to continue on with things I believe in, even if they seem miniscule.
ReplyDeleteSeeing how the legal system in Germany treated the case of Sophie, Han and Christoph is very eye opening. The treatment of that case makes me realize just how important it is that our legal system is the way that it is. Having an impartial judge, and a good defense attorney. Seeing the sheer bravery Sophie must have had to face such an unfair system and still go out with dignity is very moving.
ReplyDeleteThe power of words is immeasurable, people can use words for good or bad and just a few words can be enough to make a change among a big group of people. I really like the quote “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 moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer because it is true in a moment that matters and action is not taken or words are not spoken that absence can be just as destructive. Sophie made that difference, she took action and spoke and it led to something good and that itself should serve as an inspiration for anyone to step up to anything that may not be right. Truth and courage from just one person can start a wave.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl and the members of the White Rose showed courage and bravery in the face of such an authoritative government which is incredibly inspiring decades later. Scholl was very educated and knew what could happen if she was discovered spreading leaflets but even knowing the risks, she accepted them and went forward with her plan. She had a strong sense of beliefs and values despite everything that could potentially happen to her, a true embodiment of courage in the face of adversary. When she was finally sentenced to death, she used the last power she had to continue to spread her message and everything she believed in. With her last words, her spark became a fire that was able to fuel others and inspires others now, at this very moment.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe at this entire story. Just the mere fact that Sophie chose to stand and speak up for what she believed was right, despite knowing the consequences, is truly inspiring. It is also inspiring as she had the courage to speak out against a government system. I feel this is a story many should be aware of, as it is important to acknowledge the importance of actions and words.
ReplyDelete- Jacelle Martinez
DeleteChristian Anderson-
ReplyDeleteI am very proud of Sophie Scholl and I am surprised that I had not heard her story before. She is truly inspirational because of how willing she was to stand up against the authoritarian government that was suppressing her. I can see a lot of parallels between her bravery and the bravery of anti-war protestors in Russia today. There is something truly admirable about the willingness of individuals to fight back against oppressive regimes.
Her story is so inspiring, I have never heard this and I wish I had heard it sooner. She chose action over inaction, and that in itself is incredibly brave. There have been times in my life where I chose inaction out of fear, and those are the things I regret in my life. Being silent is so loud, and her story is a great reminder of how important it is to not sit back and observe, but to act when you see something wrong.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about Sophie and Hans’ story with the White Rose, I realized how inspiring the two of them are. Although there were many others who helped in the White Rose, learning about the relationship the two had and the bravery the two siblings had to face their parents and only show signs of smiles was super inspiring. The both of them held so much strength inside themselves. I can strongly say I don't know if I’d be able to do what they did. I don't know how they were able to see their parents and hold in their emotions until after they left. Sophie is such a strong person and having to let go of them at such a young age and being so mature for the age she was is unimaginable. Learning about Sophie’s story made it to where I know now more than ever, that actions don’t have to be big to make a huge impact. The small but brave actions of the Scholl’s and their friends should never go unnoticed or skimmed over and I’m glad I got to read their stroy and see what all they did to help Germany.
ReplyDeleteSophia Scholl and her brother focused on using the power of words to change minds. It is incredibly inspiring when you think about the immense forces that they were up against and they still didn’t back down. I feel like the biggest take away was the value of not fighting back with weapons and blood and instead with words. When someone stands back even when they know what is happening is wrong is just playing into the authoritative states hands. They want control But constantly proving that they are not impervious not only shakes the people’s faith, but can also inspire them to begin standing up on their own.
ReplyDeleteWendy Schwartz
DeleteI think the views of Sophie Scholl were courageous in itself. I found it very interesting how she began following the Nazis, but when she was more educated about it, her courage and love for humanity shown through and what she did was a very bold move, especially with the type of people running her country. Reading this article about her makes me feel proud of humanity. To be able to stand up for yourself and country as she did shows how much she loves life and how she had the desire to defend the innocent and stand up for what is just and right.
ReplyDeleteSophie Scholl's story is inspiring to me because of the way she stood up for the truth and what she believed in. Her bravery and refusal to be silenced is important, especially considering that silence is a choice just as much as speaking is. Silence is a choice too, and a choice that could make someone look like a bad person, even when they have good intentions. That is what hits home for me.
ReplyDeleteFrom reading this story, I am insanely inspired by Sophie's bravery and courage in standing up for her country and refusing to fit in with the norms that everybody else had submitted to. So many people nowadays now choose the path to follow the lead of others rather than pave their own way but I love that Sophie shows that it doesn't always have to be that way. She made the choice to step out and not have her thoughts be silenced and I think many people don't realize the true power of words. Not all things must be resolved with violence and weapons when standing up for your country and Sophie proved that by standing up and making a difference with her words.
ReplyDeleteSophie's story is very inspirational because it demonstrates incredible courage in the face of oppression. Sophie displays a courage and willingness to stand for freedom and the innocent that is severely lacking in our day and age. Most people probably wouldn't go to the extent she did to stand for what's right.
ReplyDeleteSophie deserves to carry on her great legacy. Her bravery in standing up for what she believes, unwavering despite her society, is truly incredible. To stay brave and continue her cause even just before her death is an excellent feat which few would succeed. Most people would not have the gall to do what she did in the first place, much less stay confident in their cause after being arrested and sentenced to death. - Jeremy Mequi
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