Within Unit Eight, we were asked to read at least five of the nine works that applied to Ulrike Meinhof. I choose the following to discuss: Shadows of the Summit Pointing West, Hitler Within You, Human Dignity is Violable, Women in the SDS: Acting on Their Own Behalf, and Columnism.
Also, we were asked watch two movies that applied to Ulrike Meinhof. The two movies were The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum and Baader-Meinhof Complex.
“Shadows of the Summit Pointing West”
I was shocked to learn how closely Meinhof must have paid attention to current events.
I was interested to know why does America have so much influence in international organizations?
“Hitler Within You”
I was shocked to learn that people who participated in the Nazi regime who wanted to reduce suffering considered themselves exonerated.
I was interested to know how can a society move past its dark history when most adults participated in the evils of its past?
“Human Dignity is Violable”
I was shocked to learn that for Meinhof, nuclear weapons and democracy can never go together, for these weapons directly destroy peace and freedom, two concepts that are foundational to democracy.
I was interested to know was demilitarization a popular idea at the time that the Constitution was written?
“Women in the SDS: Acting on Their Own Behalf”
I was shocked that a women’s household work is not seen as valuable because its effects aren’t obvious to society.
I was interested to know must an entire system be overturned to change one issue?
“Columnism”
I was shocked how ironic it was that Meinhof characterizes columnists both having no power and as literary stars.
I was interested to know does the columnist write to share their truth or simply to make a profit?
The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum
I was shocked that the producer had the freedom to critique the press so harshly. Perhaps this is why he added the disclaimer at the end.
I was interested to know was the publisher’s highly hypocritical speech at Tötges’ funeral meant to be humorous?
Baader-Meinhof Complex
I was shocked to learn how divisive the RAF was to the German public despite being branded as terrorists.
I was interested to know how did the RAF justify their goal of a more humane world with inhumane methods of trying to achieve this?