SWING KIDS QUESTIONS



SWING KIDS QUESTIONS Name ______________________________

Bell ____________

1. What values are held by the Swing Kids?

2. What qualities and characteristics do the Swing Kids embody?

3. What values, qualities, and characteristics does the HJ hold/embody?

4. In what ways do the values of the Swing Kids and the values of the Nazi Youth clash? Agree?

5. What is the significance of placing art /music expression outside of the boundaries of accepted social behavior?

6. Choose one of the characters in the film. What does he or she represent? Tell his or her story.

7. Which characteristics of each youth group in the film entices the youth to join? Which characteristics are threatening to them?

8. The film deals intensively with loyalty and comradeship. What dilemmas arise from the need to be loyal to one's friends, family, country?

9. Hitler says, in addressing the Hitler Youth, that "Youth leads the way." Do you agree with this, in relation to your ability to influence those around you, the world? Explain your answer using examples from your life, from history, or current events.

10. What were the Nazis' reasons for resisting the Swing dance and the movement? What was the significance of condemning degenerated art and condoning the burning of books? What subculture do you think authorities find threatening today? Why?

11. Below are some quotes taken from the film. Choose one to discuss, and consider why you chose it.

"It's easy. We play along. We get whatever we want." ---Thomas

"I won't be a part of any of it. Any time you go along with them, it makes it easier." ---Arvid

"You know who your friends are." --- Thomas

"What's wrong with being a Nazi? Everyone is." ---Peter's mother

"With age, you see compromise as necessary."--- Herr Knopp

"Just go along, just make the best of things." ---Thomas

"We must all take responsibility. We have to raise our voices outside our home, or we will be a part of it." ---Peter's father

12. The film deals with social, political and ideological aspects of Germany in the 1930's. Which clues presented in the film foretell of the oncoming disaster of the Holocaust?

13. In what ways are people able to determine what is morally correct when making decisions that could impact themselves and society?

14. Why do you think Thomas took so well to the HJ (Hitler Jugen)? What is it about groups that appeal to teens?

15. Instead of “Show and Tell,” what do HJ members have to do? Could you do this? Under what circumstances could you do this?

16. Which side do you really think you would have been on HJ or Swing? Why? (It is okay to pick HJ, not all HJs were racist)

17. Write an epilogue for the movie. What happens to Peter, Willy, Thomas, Peter’s mother, other Swing Kids (in general), Evey (Peter’s girlfriend), the bookseller and woman Peter delivered books to. You may include others if you want.

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