The persecution of the Jews under Hitler could be given in example, where the populace was taught to fear the "dirty", "money grabbing", "child molesting" Jew and an atmosphere of hate spontaneously erupted around them (history buffs, I make no claim of knowing hard facts - I'm going on what I've learned. If it's wrong, please tell me so I don't do it again).
From what I've found out, most people in Europe thought of the Jews like that, for a number of reasons, including because they always had money (were known for being moneylenders), because of the crucifixion of Jesus, and because they kept to themselves and were therefore a subject of rumour more than anything. Hitler and the rest of the German government simply capitalized on that fear and used it as their own tool. It snowballed from there, although it went farther than all but the most hardcore could even imagine.
As for your categories, I'm not sure which one I would fit into. I'm enough of a coward that I would probably stock up on tins and bottled water and find a nice place underground.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2005-12-29 05:04 pm (UTC)From what I've found out, most people in Europe thought of the Jews like that, for a number of reasons, including because they always had money (were known for being moneylenders), because of the crucifixion of Jesus, and because they kept to themselves and were therefore a subject of rumour more than anything. Hitler and the rest of the German government simply capitalized on that fear and used it as their own tool. It snowballed from there, although it went farther than all but the most hardcore could even imagine.
As for your categories, I'm not sure which one I would fit into. I'm enough of a coward that I would probably stock up on tins and bottled water and find a nice place underground.