Dear Reader,
For my multigenre project, I chose to research the Schutzstaffel(SS), or Hitler’s bodyguards. I wanted to show the life of someone in and the evolution of the SS. Since studying World War II in 7th grade, I have had a fascination with it. With my father being a history teacher and my stepdad currently in Jordan serving the US Army, wars and history are no stranger to me. I wanted to search the SS more in depth, really see what it was like, and get behind the minds of the rulers and members.
For my repetend, I chose the SS motto, “Loyalty is my honor.” Instead of their nation, members pledged loyalty to Hitler and the leaders of the Schutzstaffel. The motto appears in almost every piece, but comes out in a different way each time. Sometimes the motto will be coming directly from the SS and others the motto will be brought into perspective as my character questions who he truly honors and his decision making.
In order to get the most out of my project, you may need to understand a few things. The Schutzstaffel and the Sturmabteilung are not the same organization, while they both do serve a similar purpose. Also, as the SS grew, it’s purpose was not only to protect Hitler, but carry out orders in various concentration camps and whatever else Hitler requested.
I hope that the readers are able to gain knowledge on the Schutzstaffel, but more importantly understand why the everyday people who were members of the SS did what they did and how it affected them in the long run. Nothing was morally right and killing people because of religion, race, etc. is unethical, but the conditions and the world at the time put them in a very vulnerable place and everyday people were taken advantage of. Also, I hope the reader really begins to understand how everything has long-term consequences, whether the decision seem right at the time or not.
Sincerely,
Ellie P.
For my multigenre project, I chose to research the Schutzstaffel(SS), or Hitler’s bodyguards. I wanted to show the life of someone in and the evolution of the SS. Since studying World War II in 7th grade, I have had a fascination with it. With my father being a history teacher and my stepdad currently in Jordan serving the US Army, wars and history are no stranger to me. I wanted to search the SS more in depth, really see what it was like, and get behind the minds of the rulers and members.
For my repetend, I chose the SS motto, “Loyalty is my honor.” Instead of their nation, members pledged loyalty to Hitler and the leaders of the Schutzstaffel. The motto appears in almost every piece, but comes out in a different way each time. Sometimes the motto will be coming directly from the SS and others the motto will be brought into perspective as my character questions who he truly honors and his decision making.
In order to get the most out of my project, you may need to understand a few things. The Schutzstaffel and the Sturmabteilung are not the same organization, while they both do serve a similar purpose. Also, as the SS grew, it’s purpose was not only to protect Hitler, but carry out orders in various concentration camps and whatever else Hitler requested.
I hope that the readers are able to gain knowledge on the Schutzstaffel, but more importantly understand why the everyday people who were members of the SS did what they did and how it affected them in the long run. Nothing was morally right and killing people because of religion, race, etc. is unethical, but the conditions and the world at the time put them in a very vulnerable place and everyday people were taken advantage of. Also, I hope the reader really begins to understand how everything has long-term consequences, whether the decision seem right at the time or not.
Sincerely,
Ellie P.