Jay Hauser

Period 7

Human Conscience

Preserving Evidence of Evil Journal

I agree wholeheartedly with the point presented by Ernest Michel (a Holocaust survivor).

The hair, as an actual and tangible part of one’s humanity, speaks volumes as to the horrors of

the Holocaust. He points out that despite the discomfort it evokes, the hair ought to be displayed,

as it is a major part of the larger story that must be preserved for future generations. Furthermore,

I find the argument that the exhibition of the hair is poor taste flawed. The fact is, there is no way

to display any part of the Holocaust in good taste. A pile of shoes belonging to victims will still

be shocking and emotional to see, no matter the manner in which it is presented. Yes, the views

of the victims ought to be treated with the utmost respect. From a rational standpoint, victim

testimonies are not as compelling as tangible evidence. As time goes on, more and more people

will look at the Holocaust from an academic and disinvolved standpoint rather than an emotional

one. This will require an abundance of tangible evidence.

However, I do question the idea that the hair will prove the occurrence of the Holocaust

to deniers. Moreover, it is impossible and a waste of time to successfully appeal to a miniscule

minority of people stubborn enough to deny obvious truth. Deniers can come up with an alternate

explanation regardless of the evidence provided. Really, if the pile of shoes did not do it for

them, nothing will, not even the hair.