Do you think Thomas confronting the German was effective? It can be difficult to talk back to someone who expresses prejudice. What would you have said?

Thomas confronts a German who has spoken scathingly of Jews: "'You are wrong about me,' said Thomas firmly. ‘They are filth?' He steadied his gaze right in the German's eyes. 'Then I am exactly like them'" (102). Do you think this was effective? It can be difficult to talk back to someone who expresses prejudice. What would you have said?

Thomas was courageously risking his life or the threat of a severe beating speaking back to a Nazi. One hopes to have the courage to speak out righteously at the risk of ostracism or in the face of physical danger. I doubt his words were effective to an indoctrinated Nazi.

Thomas had every right to speak his mind to the German. I'm not sure what I would have said exactly but I would have expressed myself completely in an intelligent manner.

I think it probably made Thomas feel better about himself. When witnessing injustice it seems like it's always better to say something than look the other way, otherwise he would have regretted staying silent. I'm not sure it actually made a difference, though; you can't argue with or sway an individual who's absolutely convinced their opinion is the right one.

I do not think the confrontation was effective, like kimk, I have not had the experience of being able to change someone's mind when they are already decided. However, that is not to say that I wouldn't make the attempt. If we do not raise our voices against injustice, aren't we guilty of injustice ourselves?

The confrontation was brave of Thomas, but not likely effective with someone as prejudiced as that German. I like to think I would have said something similar. It is important to raise one's voice against injustice of any kind. In some way, Thomas's bravery--from the other side-- prefigures the later involvement of many United States Jews and other whites in the African-American civil rights struggles of the 50s and 60s. There is strength in unity against an oppressor, whoever or whatever the oppressor may be.