The Perils Of Indifference Speech

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Elie Wiesel delivered his speech, “The Perils of Indifference” to the White House in April of 1999. His impassioned message was that indifference is more dangerous to others than anger or hate could ever be. Wiesel solemnly tells the story of when the Nazis took him and his family to concentration camps. He vividly recalls the rage on the faces of the United States soldiers who later liberated him. Wiesel discloses that he will never forget their faces and will always be thankful for that rage as well as the compassion he was shown by those soldiers. This is because rage meant they cared. Indifference elicits no response. If they were not enraged, they would not have felt the need to liberate the camp. Wiesel acknowledges that indifference is seductive, as caring for others can create obligations, negative feelings, and more. However, to be indifferent is to be inhuman. With indifference comes a lack of compassion for fellow people. Without compassion or concern, community ceases to exist. Wiesel …show more content…

Amongst the audience were former President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, other White House Administration, press, guests, and more. During the speech, the audience was silent. Everyone was listening intently to Wiesel. In the video, one can see the former First Lady Hillary Clinton sitting absolutely still with her eyes locked on Wiesel. She is concentrating on his every word. Former President Bill Clinton is also in the picture and one can see him focused as well. Unlike the former First Lady, Clinton moves around a bit, adjusting his body position, head position, and hands. He looks down a few times, but always reorients his focus back to Wiesel. He was not as taken as former First Lady Clinton, but was still focused. At the end of the speech, the room erupted in applause for many seconds. Wiesel stood there naturally and thoughtfully as the audience thanked

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