If should be a German side version of Band of Brothers then it should make for some outstanding TV watching; one of those rare times when it is worth the time to watch. I know we are supposed to believe that we were the good guys in the white hats, while those evil scum of the earth absolutely fanatic Nazis (every last one of them) were the bad guys in the black hats. That maybe the cartoon version of things, but the real deal of history is more complicated than that.
one of those rare times when it is worth the time to watch. I know we are supposed to believe that we were the good guys in the white hats, while those evil scum of the earth absolutely fanatic Nazis (every last one of them) were the bad guys in the black hats. That maybe the cartoon version of things, but the real deal of history is more complicated than that.
Good sir, If by the Late Unpleasantness you are refering to the misnamed "Civil War" then we are in ful agreement. I was taught via public propaganda system (aka public school system) that the guys in blue were the good guys and the guys in grey were the evil ones and the South was the Devils playground. Now that I know that what I was "taught" was NOT how it realy happened, I find it is a difficult topic of conversation since the majority still can not or will not see beyond the black and white view of things. One of the biggest PITAs is that as soon as you speak up for the South's cause and reasons for leaving the Union, they assume that you are a racist and believe in slavery. They refuse to consider that you can be pro South and anti-slavery and racism at the same time.
My ex-wife's grandfather was a former SS soldier. He always said that if you were over 6 ft. tall, you got drafted to an SS battalion, and that he had no choice in the matter.
His war was over after he was wounded by a Soviet grenade that killed two of his buddies on the Eastern front.
I always took his word about him not being a nazi, but on his deathbed he had someone come in and sign him up for the German nazi party. After he died, we found numerous nazi banners and flags hidden in his attic.
It must have really rankled him that his granddaughter married an American soldier.
Anyway, he is the reason I will take with a grain of salt any former SS member who says they were just a victim of circumstance in a difficult situation.
The SS was just like the rest of the units, some volunteered and some were drafted, some did horrible things and some did wonderful things, just like all armies. All air force personnel did not belong to any party since it was forbidden.
May I recommend the book "the Forgotten Soldier: by Guy Sajer (sp?). One of the best "anti-war" books ever penned. It is the autobiography of a Frenchman who enlists in the German Army and fought the war on the Russian front.
If should be a German side version of Band of Brothers then it should make for some outstanding TV watching; one of those rare times when it is worth the time to watch.
ReplyDeleteI know we are supposed to believe that we were the good guys in the white hats, while those evil scum of the earth absolutely fanatic Nazis (every last one of them) were the bad guys in the black hats. That maybe the cartoon version of things, but the real deal of history is more complicated than that.
one of those rare times when it is worth the time to watch.
DeleteI know we are supposed to believe that we were the good guys in the white hats, while those evil scum of the earth absolutely fanatic Nazis (every last one of them) were the bad guys in the black hats. That maybe the cartoon version of things, but the real deal of history is more complicated than that.
Just like the Late Unpleasantness.
Good sir, If by the Late Unpleasantness you are refering to the misnamed "Civil War" then we are in ful agreement. I was taught via public propaganda system (aka public school system) that the guys in blue were the good guys and the guys in grey were the evil ones and the South was the Devils playground. Now that I know that what I was "taught" was NOT how it realy happened, I find it is a difficult topic of conversation since the majority still can not or will not see beyond the black and white view of things. One of the biggest PITAs is that as soon as you speak up for the South's cause and reasons for leaving the Union, they assume that you are a racist and believe in slavery. They refuse to consider that you can be pro South and anti-slavery and racism at the same time.
DeleteInconvenient facts for liberals, but of course they just scream racist!
DeleteMy ex-wife's grandfather was a former SS soldier. He always said that if you were over 6 ft. tall, you got drafted to an SS battalion, and that he had no choice in the matter.
ReplyDeleteHis war was over after he was wounded by a Soviet grenade that killed two of his buddies on the Eastern front.
I always took his word about him not being a nazi, but on his deathbed he had someone come in and sign him up for the German nazi party. After he died, we found numerous nazi banners and flags hidden in his attic.
It must have really rankled him that his granddaughter married an American soldier.
Anyway, he is the reason I will take with a grain of salt any former SS member who says they were just a victim of circumstance in a difficult situation.
The SS was just like the rest of the units, some volunteered and some were drafted, some did horrible things and some did wonderful things, just like all armies. All air force personnel did not belong to any party since it was forbidden.
DeleteMay I recommend the book "the Forgotten Soldier: by Guy Sajer (sp?). One of the best "anti-war" books ever penned. It is the autobiography of a Frenchman who enlists in the German Army and fought the war on the Russian front.
DeleteThanks and anyone who fought there and survuved has my utmost respect.
Delete