Sophie Scholl - 1921–1943
German Political Activist, Nazi Resistor and Pacifist
Added to the album by Joe, a wonderful man
The bravery of women during times of war has already been highlighted in this album and blog, from Anne Frank (Wonderful Woman No. 29 - http://iamawonderfulwoman.blogspot.it/2012/01/anne-frank-wonderful-woman-no-29.html) to Grace O'Malley (Wonderful Woman No. 40 - http://iamawonderfulwoman.blogspot.it/2012/02/grace-omalley-wonderful-woman-no-40.html) to Leymah Gbowee (Wonderful Woman No. 59 - http://iamawonderfulwoman.blogspot.it/2012/02/leymah-gbowee-wonderful-woman-no-59.html), we have heard how individual women have looked the atrocities of war in the face and been shining beacons of hope and defiance.
Sophie Scholl is another such woman and one who gave her life in the fight for demonstrating what was right and just.
Sophie was born in unfortunate times, a student and then a teacher living under nazi rule. Her father spent time in prison for making a negative remark about Hitler. From an early age, she and her brother, Hans, had strong political feelings. They did not believe in dictatorships, they did not believe in fascism, they did not believe in war.
Having such beliefs was dangerous territory.
She knew of the holocaust taking pace and was horrified.
Sophie was part of a group known as The White Rose, who wrote and distributed anti-nazi leaflets. The leaflets instructed the people of Germany to passively resist Hitler's rule.
It is possibly the most spectacular moment of resistance that I can think of in the 20th century... in the mouth of the wolf, where it really counted, had the tremendous courage to do what they did, is spectacular to me. I know that the world is better for them having been there.
Lillian Garrett-Groag, Playwright
She and the rest of the members of the White Rose were caught distributing their leaflets in Munich in 1943. They were convicted of high treason and beheaded as a result.
A woman who could not close her eyes and do nothing while knowing the gruesome truth of the world she lived in, who had to speak out and say that things were wrong. A woman who died with dignity in the name of her cause. Another incredibly wonderful human being.
What does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?
Sophie Scholl
No comments:
Post a Comment