A very inspiring story—and an important reminder for us today as we witness the shocking events unfolding around us. I hope we all find the courage that Sophie had to stand up for what’s right.
What a powerful and chilling story. I listened to your narration from beginning to end. And the sun still shines....Thank you, Manuela for sharing it. I have bookmarked the movie.
Thank you for sharing Sophies incredibly brave and inspiring story, Manuela. I'm a strong believer in standing up for people in unjust situations in everyday life but I don't think I'd know how I would react if I were living in such an oppressive regime, I just hope that I'd stand up for what is right in my own small way - your question is so thought provoking.
What a great piece Manuela! I ask myself this question every day lately. What am I willing to risk for what I believe in? I think we live in so much comfort in this country that it can be difficult to find ourselves shaken from the complacency of affluence. I sometimes wonder how far we must be pushed before we are willing to take a stand. I recently read "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. and the frustrations he vents in that letter run parallel in so many ways to what we are facing today. There are many who would rather stay silent in the desire to protect their own, and particularly those who know they are insulated in some way from immediate threat. But as he says “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I would like to believe that I am willing to take risks for the greater good and that enough others out there feel the same way that we can act without feeling as though we are doomed to fates like those of Sophie and Hans.
What a great and thoughtful response, Natalie! I know that it is a hard question to answer. I want to believe that I would put truth and justice over danger. I know that as a mother I would always put my kid’s lives first. I hope I will do the right thing for others if/when circumstances ask me to.
Manuela -- I did watch the movie - the treatment that these three young people received was so horrific - but their courage was very inspiring. And I hope it's true that their parents were able to say goodbye to them. I never go to church but I did yesterday - Episcopal - the religion I was raised in- felt like I needed to uplift my spirits - I went to a wonderful church with all the processions, music, flowers but in his sermon, the minister warned about the rise of fascism in our country, the danger to our immigrants and LGBTQ community and asked people what they were willing to do about it - the congregation applauded him - it was uplifting in so many ways. And yes the sun is still shining regardless of the cruelty of humans in our world. So glad you recommended this film.
Beautiful words from you. I’m an American who is familiar with Sophie Scholl, but I’m also Jewish, so I grew up learning more about the Holocaust than most Americans. It’s heartening to see so many commenters being introduced to her here. It breaks my heart, though, that the lessons of the Shoah seem to have been largely forgotten.
Manuela -- thank you so much for writing about Sophie and Hans Scholl. I know almost nothing at all about people like her who gave their lives for speaking out against the Nazi regime. We learned nothing about this when I was in school. It is incredibly powerful and inspiring. Also much thanks for talking about growing up in Germany. I have a dear friend - much older than you who was a very young child growing up in Germany during WWII - traumatic and devastating to her and her family. I hope I continue to speak out and have the courage that Sophie and her comrades showed -- it's been so utterly disheartening to see all the rich law firms, prestigious universities, Silicon Valley millionaires and many more caving in to our current government. It's enraging -- I want to keep in touch with my anger to keep from being afraid - but of course, I've never lived through this kind of regime takeover in my own country. I keep thinking about the ICE agents who went to some elementary schools here in LA and the principles who stood up against them and spoke out in the newspaper. I definitely want to watch the film - so glad you are putting your writing out into the world along with your moving and tender images - that do remind us that the sun still shines.
Bonnie, the Scholl siblings are not well known outside of Europe. It is kind of sad. The movie received a foreign language nomination at the Academy Awards, so it definitely got some attention, but still, most Americans have never heard of them.
My son just told me that they watched the movie in his German class and are doing a whole unit on Sophie Scholl. I am so grateful for his teacher!
It is indeed a frightening time right now. What surprises me the most is that so many people don‘t see it that way, or live as if everything is completely normal. Nothing is normal!
I don‘t know what I would do, but at least, I would hope that I can be like the principles who protected the kids from ICE. Teachers in this country have shown incredible bravery throughout the years with all the shootings, and now they have to be and are brave again.
Sophie Scholl was afraid but her convictions were stronger than her fear.
She is only one example of many people all over the world. We just don‘t hear about them very much.
I hope I can be even a little bit like her.
Let me know what you think about the movie once you have watched it!
As a Belgian I recognise the names of Sophie and Hans Scholl, but I haven't seen the movie, so thank you for sharing the link. Your questions have given me shivers. I don't know that I would be so clear-headed and brave in the face of such great danger coming from an oppressive regime. But I believe in civil disobedience to fight injustice. I don't think anyone just decides to become an activist over night; it happens in small increments.
Yes, they are much more known in Europe. In fact, I personally don’t know any American who has heard of them. I am sure some have, but I have always been surprised. They have always been such a symbol of strength and courage.
I agree that it happens small increments. Small steps of resistance matter. I do believe small steps can become bigger steps, and sometimes have to become bigger steps.
I seriously had some very old school and sometimes almost mean teachers. My last two years at Gymnasium were so much better, but before that, man, it was nuts when I think back to it.
Thank you for reading! Not sure where you live, but they story is mostly known within Germany and Europe. The movie brought their story to America (it actually received Oscar nominations), but they are still not known as much here as they should be.
What an amazing, inspiring story Manuela! I had never heard of Sophie or anything to do with this story. I got chills as I was reading her story. What a courageous human being! I agree with toddlers that this is an important reminder with all that is going on with our country today. Thank your sharing this Manuela and I pray that the sun continues to shine on all of us.
A very inspiring story—and an important reminder for us today as we witness the shocking events unfolding around us. I hope we all find the courage that Sophie had to stand up for what’s right.
Thank you, Todd! I agree. I hope we will.
Thank you for reading!
What a powerful and chilling story. I listened to your narration from beginning to end. And the sun still shines....Thank you, Manuela for sharing it. I have bookmarked the movie.
Oh, let me know what you think about it once you have watched it. Thanks, Juliette!
Thank you for sharing Sophies incredibly brave and inspiring story, Manuela. I'm a strong believer in standing up for people in unjust situations in everyday life but I don't think I'd know how I would react if I were living in such an oppressive regime, I just hope that I'd stand up for what is right in my own small way - your question is so thought provoking.
I know. I am not sure either to be honest.
I have always been in awe of this story, but I do wonder. We all live so comfortable and safe these days. How much are we willing to sacrifice?
I know it depends on the circumstances, but I hope I will speak the truth and not hide from the threat.
What a great piece Manuela! I ask myself this question every day lately. What am I willing to risk for what I believe in? I think we live in so much comfort in this country that it can be difficult to find ourselves shaken from the complacency of affluence. I sometimes wonder how far we must be pushed before we are willing to take a stand. I recently read "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. and the frustrations he vents in that letter run parallel in so many ways to what we are facing today. There are many who would rather stay silent in the desire to protect their own, and particularly those who know they are insulated in some way from immediate threat. But as he says “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I would like to believe that I am willing to take risks for the greater good and that enough others out there feel the same way that we can act without feeling as though we are doomed to fates like those of Sophie and Hans.
What a great and thoughtful response, Natalie! I know that it is a hard question to answer. I want to believe that I would put truth and justice over danger. I know that as a mother I would always put my kid’s lives first. I hope I will do the right thing for others if/when circumstances ask me to.
What a beautifully written account of brave Sophie - she was (and remains) a heroine to me. I'll have to watch the movie now...
Thank you! She will always be one of my biggest heroines!
Manuela -- I did watch the movie - the treatment that these three young people received was so horrific - but their courage was very inspiring. And I hope it's true that their parents were able to say goodbye to them. I never go to church but I did yesterday - Episcopal - the religion I was raised in- felt like I needed to uplift my spirits - I went to a wonderful church with all the processions, music, flowers but in his sermon, the minister warned about the rise of fascism in our country, the danger to our immigrants and LGBTQ community and asked people what they were willing to do about it - the congregation applauded him - it was uplifting in so many ways. And yes the sun is still shining regardless of the cruelty of humans in our world. So glad you recommended this film.
Beautiful words from you. I’m an American who is familiar with Sophie Scholl, but I’m also Jewish, so I grew up learning more about the Holocaust than most Americans. It’s heartening to see so many commenters being introduced to her here. It breaks my heart, though, that the lessons of the Shoah seem to have been largely forgotten.
Thank you for your kind comments! Yes, it breaks my heart, too.
Manuela -- thank you so much for writing about Sophie and Hans Scholl. I know almost nothing at all about people like her who gave their lives for speaking out against the Nazi regime. We learned nothing about this when I was in school. It is incredibly powerful and inspiring. Also much thanks for talking about growing up in Germany. I have a dear friend - much older than you who was a very young child growing up in Germany during WWII - traumatic and devastating to her and her family. I hope I continue to speak out and have the courage that Sophie and her comrades showed -- it's been so utterly disheartening to see all the rich law firms, prestigious universities, Silicon Valley millionaires and many more caving in to our current government. It's enraging -- I want to keep in touch with my anger to keep from being afraid - but of course, I've never lived through this kind of regime takeover in my own country. I keep thinking about the ICE agents who went to some elementary schools here in LA and the principles who stood up against them and spoke out in the newspaper. I definitely want to watch the film - so glad you are putting your writing out into the world along with your moving and tender images - that do remind us that the sun still shines.
Bonnie, the Scholl siblings are not well known outside of Europe. It is kind of sad. The movie received a foreign language nomination at the Academy Awards, so it definitely got some attention, but still, most Americans have never heard of them.
My son just told me that they watched the movie in his German class and are doing a whole unit on Sophie Scholl. I am so grateful for his teacher!
It is indeed a frightening time right now. What surprises me the most is that so many people don‘t see it that way, or live as if everything is completely normal. Nothing is normal!
I don‘t know what I would do, but at least, I would hope that I can be like the principles who protected the kids from ICE. Teachers in this country have shown incredible bravery throughout the years with all the shootings, and now they have to be and are brave again.
Sophie Scholl was afraid but her convictions were stronger than her fear.
She is only one example of many people all over the world. We just don‘t hear about them very much.
I hope I can be even a little bit like her.
Let me know what you think about the movie once you have watched it!
As a Belgian I recognise the names of Sophie and Hans Scholl, but I haven't seen the movie, so thank you for sharing the link. Your questions have given me shivers. I don't know that I would be so clear-headed and brave in the face of such great danger coming from an oppressive regime. But I believe in civil disobedience to fight injustice. I don't think anyone just decides to become an activist over night; it happens in small increments.
Yes, they are much more known in Europe. In fact, I personally don’t know any American who has heard of them. I am sure some have, but I have always been surprised. They have always been such a symbol of strength and courage.
I agree that it happens small increments. Small steps of resistance matter. I do believe small steps can become bigger steps, and sometimes have to become bigger steps.
Such a brave group of people. Bravo. I can understand why their story made such an impression.
Thank you!
A very timely and important piece, and a great question…
Thanks, Susanne!
Did you have a strict history teacher, too? :)
I seriously had some very old school and sometimes almost mean teachers. My last two years at Gymnasium were so much better, but before that, man, it was nuts when I think back to it.
It was a fair mix. Back then I thought they were really old, but now I think they were actually not THAT old. 🤣
Haha! So true. I also thought I had very old teachers, but, now looking back, I see that they were just middle aged like me. :)
Very inspiring and timely piece. Thank you for sharing Sophie’s story. I never knew about her.
Thank you for reading! Not sure where you live, but they story is mostly known within Germany and Europe. The movie brought their story to America (it actually received Oscar nominations), but they are still not known as much here as they should be.
What an amazing, inspiring story Manuela! I had never heard of Sophie or anything to do with this story. I got chills as I was reading her story. What a courageous human being! I agree with toddlers that this is an important reminder with all that is going on with our country today. Thank your sharing this Manuela and I pray that the sun continues to shine on all of us.
Thanks, Karin! If you have time and patience to read subtitles, watch the movie. It‘s so good!
And, yes, the sun continues to shine. Despite the horror.
Thank you for sharing this incredibly impactful story Manuela. Indeed—what would we have done? Wow✨
Thank you for reading, Iris!
Thank you, Manuela. You’ve kept their courage alive.
Thanks you for reading!