“Culture of memory” as a precondition to develop tolerance: a phenomenon of Holocaust and instructional process of Holocaust Education in Russian schools
Kamenchuk, Irina L.
[about]
One should always reflect on the past and consider the future both objectively and subjectively. This dual approach will enable an individual to understand how, on what grounds, and why the past is perceived and interpreted in a particular way. History should always live in our memory. It acts as a guide in our thinking and ideas, and should lead to soul searching. History also acts as a mechanism to determine what is a useless waste of time and what is worthy of pursuit. No human being, no society or culture, can survive without keeping its memory alive and active. A culture of memory is a very valuable part of one’s overall culture, and it is also a solid basis for developing tolerance.
Snkhchyan, a student from the small town of Burny in the Engels district of the Saratov region, who won the international contest “Memory of the Holocaust is a Way to Tolerance!” poignantly wrote, “When people devoid themselves of any memories of kindness and mercy, when they coldly pass by somebody’s pain or injustice, they immediately open the door to evil, violence, and hatred. This is the way to kill the best in our hearts. Evil and indifference allowed into our souls will always play back against us.”