“A very important man used to visit her sometimes, and I met him too. He loved children and used to dandle me on his knee. This was how the title came about for this book, Uncle Hitler, although in the old German tradition, I called him Uncle Adolf, even though I was not related to him. This was a sign of respect to an older person, which is why I called Frau Eva ‘Aunty Eva’.”
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Analysis
In this quote from Alfred Nestor, he reflects on his childhood encounters with Adolf Hitler, whom he refers to as "Uncle Adolf" out of respect. This shows the level of influence and power that Hitler held over the people, even young children like Alfred. The use of the term "Uncle" and "Aunty" suggests a sense of familiarity and affection towards these individuals, despite their notorious reputation. It also highlights the way in which propaganda and manipulation were used to portray Hitler as a benevolent figure, especially towards children. This quote sheds light on the complex dynamics of power, influence, and manipulation during Hitler's regime.
Modern Relevance
Alfred Nestor's recollection of referring to Adolf Hitler as "Uncle Adolf" out of respect sheds light on how individuals may unintentionally contribute to normalizing and humanizing figures who do not deserve such treatment. This anecdote serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly idolizing authority figures and the importance of critically examining the actions and beliefs of those in power. In an era where misinformation and propaganda can shape public perception, Nestor's experience serves as a reminder of the need to question and challenge narratives that seek to distort the truth.
Example of Usage
In his memoir, Uncle Hitler, Alfred Nestor reflects on his childhood memories and the influence of a very important man in his life. He explains the significance of calling him "Uncle Adolf" as a sign of respect, despite the lack of blood relation. This passage showcases the complex relationships and dynamics that shaped Nestor's upbringing.
Reflection Questions
In this passage, Alfred Nestor describes his encounters with Hitler as a child and the familiarity he felt towards him. This raises some thought-provoking questions about the complexities of human relationships and the impact of historical figures on individuals. Reflect on the following questions:
- How do you think Alfred's relationship with Hitler influenced his perception of the dictator and the events of that time period?
- What do you make of Alfred's use of familial terms like "Uncle Adolf" and "Aunty Eva" when describing Hitler and Eva Braun? Do you think this reflects a sense of closeness or a deep-seated indoctrination?
- Considering the horrific acts committed by Hitler during his reign, how do you reconcile the idea of a child innocently interacting with him and feeling affection towards him?
- In what ways do you think personal experiences and relationships with historical figures like Hitler can shape individual perspectives on history and morality?
- How important do you think it is for individuals to acknowledge and reflect on their personal connections to historical events and figures, even if they may be uncomfortable or conflicting?
Similar quotes
“He loved children and used to dandle me on his knee. This was how the title came about for this book, Uncle Hitler, although in the old German tradition, I called him Uncle Adolf, even though I was not related to him. This was a sign of respect to an older person, which is why I called Frau Eva ‘Aunty Eva’.However, little did I know at that time what revulsion the name Adolf Hitler would eventually invoke in the decent conscience of the world.”
“One woman, called Eva, used to visit my mother and sometimes we would call in next door to visit her. Sometimes Frau Eva gave me cakes and fruit drinks. I remember she was very kind. It was not until many years later that I understood just who she was. To me, at the time, she was just a very nice woman who lived next door sometimes, although she did tend to go away, and was often not seen for several months.”
“Later, I started to understand just why these children ‘hated’ us other children. I understood that they did not, in fact, hate ‘us’, but hated the fact that we were German and spoke in a language that they associated with pain, fear and the loss of their parents, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers, their whole families, in fact. Once I understood this it affected me in all sorts of subconscious ways, ways that were to blight my life for many years and make me deny my German birth.”
“I quickly got used to being picked up by my mother, and taken to the air raid shelter near our home. Although frightening, this was a great adventure to me as a child, for in the shelter I played with the other children and we felt safe there as we were surrounded by grown-ups; although now the grown-ups were more worried than they had been in the past. There were greater feelings of anxiety and fear in the older people, which we children also felt, and it unsettled us all.”
“Children accept the conditions they are born into, and, to a degree, I was getting used to the bombings, fires, and death around me. I remember that I thought those things were normal. It is grown-ups who worry about things, and this ... this was total panic! I could taste the fear, and I could see that my mother was frightened, which I had never seen before, and this made me even more frightened.”
“I remember seeing one elderly man look at us, and he held his hand out, and most frightening were his eyes, dark as a soulless abyss, so black that it looked as if it had been blasted from a cyclone. I felt he was looking right at me. For a moment, I thought I was looking through his sockets, past his brain and behind him; as the tears started rolling down my cheeks a godless universe was expanding within me. Then I became hysterical.”