We have been studying World War II recently with our middle schoolers, and in the past two days, we've focused on the horrors of the Holocaust. It was especially shocking, therefore, to read the just-released
report from the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
NBC News and other media outlets have reported on the startling "
ADL Global 100" survey results that seek to gauge anti-Semitic attitudes across
101 countries and territories.
The survey data reveal that only 54 percent of people have "
heard about the Holocaust," and 32 percent of those respondents believe the Holocaust is either "
a myth or has been greatly exaggerated." In addition, young people worldwide are significantly less likely than older residents to be aware of the true events. Not surprisingly, the results also vary considerably by
geographic region.
The
ADL website has assembled its figures into easy-to-read infographics and visual interactives. These charts, graphs, and maps make for helpful teaching tools with students. They also reinforce the effectiveness of data visualizations in clarifying information for a range of audiences.
Statistics like these emphasize more than ever the need for authentic, non-propagandized education in global classrooms. Open access to the Internet and genuine historical records must be made available to pockets of students trapped under the influence of deniers. Survey results like these are also the reasons kidnapped school girls in Nigeria must be returned to their classrooms. They are the reasons Western involvement in Syria and Ukraine must be judiciously considered. They are the reasons students today must stand up in the face of hallway and cyber bullying. Ironically, it was on this day in history, May 14, 1948, when the
State of Israel was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv.
Some visual resources we have used recently to teach about the Holocaust include:
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