REHUGO Speech

Charlene Asuncion
Mr. Soeth
AP English 3
February 3, 2011

REHUGO Analysis: History– Speech

A. The speech titled “The Perils of Indifference” was delivered by Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, who, in the speech, expressed gratitude to those who stood up for the victims of the Holocaust and denounced indifference. This captivating speech took place at the White House in Washington D.C. on the April 12, 1999; the 54th anniversary of the end of World War II.

B. World War II was a struggle for power, a fight for supremacy, and a competition between Ally and Axis powers that resulted in the death of millions of people world-wide. Contributing to a large number of these deaths, the Holocaust was a catastrophic event during World War II in which Germany’s dictator, Adolf Hitler, ordered the extermination of all European Jews out of passionate hatred for their race. Six million Jews were killed in concentration camps via “death marches,” gas chambers, guns, and cremators. In the speech, “The Perils of Indifference,” Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel praises all those who have contributed to the ending of the Holocaust and looks forward to bringing an end to indifference during the 54th commemoration of World War II. In the speech, Wiesel addresses President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Congress, Ambassador Holbrooke, Excellencies, and friends. Looking forward to a new millennium, Wiesel speaks of the bloodshed, violence, and indifference that took place in the past and seeks peace in the future. That we may reflect upon the darkness of the past and turn into light.

C. In society, our world struggles with indifference characterized by hate and violence. For example, conflicts and war in the Middle East remain prevalent today because of indifference. According to Wiesel, we must “Fight it [indifference]…Denounce it… and disarm it” to end the hate and detestation our world encounters. In order to surpass darkness, like the Holocaust or even the wars in the Middle East or the hunger in Africa, we must “walk towards a new millennium, carried by profound fear and extraordinary hope.” From the past experiences, despite how catastrophic they were, we must learn and progress from them so that no one should experience indifference, such as starvation, homelessness, and abuse. The world should not be silent. “We do respond. This time, we intervene.”

D. Rhetorical Strategies
a. Definition: Wiesel defines the word “indifference” in order to convey how it has both shaped and destroyed humanity. Wiesel states, “Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred…Indifference elicits no response…Indifference, then, is not only a sin, it is a punishment…” By defining indifference with a negative connotation with context like “anger,” “hatred,” and “punishment,” Wiesel expresses how indifference has brought about evil towards humanity. However, learning from indifference, paves the way for a brighter future.
b. Rhetorical questions: In order to provoke thought in his audience, Wiesel utilizes rhetorical questions like “How is one to explain their indifference? Does it mean that we have learned from the past? Will it discourage other dictators in other lands to do the same?” The rhetorical questions pathologically makes the audience think from a moral perspective based on the prior definition of indifference. The rhetorical questions also give the speech more emotion and connection with the audience by allowing them to engage in the morale behind indifference and Wiesel’s Holocaust experiences.

MLA Citation:
MLA Citation for Speech:
Wiesel, Elie. "The Perils of Indifference." White House, Washington, D.C. 12 Apr.
1999. Speech.