The Right Side of the Fence

What must it have been like to be a regular German person during WW2. I recently read "The Boy Who Dared". It is intended, I believe, for young readers, but fine for adults as well. The story was about an adolescent who was discontent with the Hitler reign. It sounded as though many of the average citizens were unaware of many of the atrocities being commited. Surely though, some were aware. Some indeed, took action, hiding refugees and the like.

I wonder about those who did have an inkling. An idea that something horrible was going on. It's so easy to look back on history with all the facts and awareness and know, just know, how we would have reacted. And yet, for the women, for the children, at the times, was it really all that clear, that cut and dried?

I imagine disbelief. Confusion. To be raised to honor and be proud of your country. Who really could believe the truth of such horrors? If indeed you even heard of them. It's my understanding that many of the average citizen were lied to about the reality of what was happening with the jews. Add to that that people you know and love are also being killed in the war. Bombings killing soldiers and innocent alike.

The plight of the Jews is one of the most gut wrenching horrors I have ever known. It is an undescribable horror. I would never suggest otherwise. It is simply that there are more stories that I'd not considered.

It would be interesting, I think, to know the thoughts of those who were on the right side of the fence, but knew in their hearts that it was wrong.