The Devastating Effects of Intolerance

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Recommended: Elie wiesel and religion at night

The Devastating Effects of Intolerance
Intolerance is something that everyone has to deal with; It is a nation-wide problem. There are many forms of intolerance and all of them lead to devastation. This is shown throughout history, literature and in personal events. We are the only ones who can stop it.

One form of intolerance is religious bigotry. This is clearly illustrated in Elie Wiesel's book called Night. In this novel Elie and his family are put into a Nazi death camp in 1944. The experience was a life changing event for the young Elie. He tragically witnessed the death of his family and loss everything he knew. Elie and his family were only one of the millions affected by the hate of the Germans as it states in the book Night: 'I witnessed other hangings'; (page 60). Millions of peope died because of the hate in some people. Hate can be shown in many other forms too.

One form is clearly shown in Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel's short story entitled 'Who Said We all had to Talk Alike?' A woman from the Ozarks named Neffie, applies for a job in California. Neffie is sent back after just one month because she 'added an 'r'; to many words that did not contain that letter.'; This incident was devastating to the children she was caring for because they really liked Neffie and the way that she cooked and told stories. This also made Neffie feel like there was something wrong with her. The children probably lost one of the best baby-sitters. This is just a small example of an act of intolerance that can even have unintended consequences that hurt many people.

Devastating intolerance can also be seen in the short story 'Address Unknown'; by Kressman Taylor. An act of religious bigotry and someone's beliefs can become a part of someone else's way of thinking or internalizing one's ideas. The 'Address Unknown'; is about two friends, Max and Martin. Martin is a German in Germany and Max is a Jew in America. Martin is galvanized by Hitler's ways. In short, the two friends become enemies turning against each other. Max's sister,also a Jew, dies because Martin wouldn't help her. Max seeks revenge by sending damaging letters to Martin. The outcome of Martin's family is not stated but it is not very good.

Helen Bansley was faced with religious intolerance when she wanted to get married in 1949.

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