I have been unusually focused on the holocaust lately The Holocaust is one of the most profound and devastating events in human history, and reflecting on it can bring up a lot of emotions—whether it’s grief, anger, or a deep desire to understand. Given that 2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Holocaust, there has been renewed focus on remembrance and education. Survivors and historians continue to share their stories, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain relevant today. There are also ongoing discussions about how the Holocaust is taught in schools. Some reports suggest that French textbooks, for example, focus heavily on persecution but don’t fully explore Jewish contributions to history, which has sparked debate about how history should be framed. Meanwhile, museums and libraries in the U.S. are hosting exhibits on how Americans responded to the Holocaust at the time, shedding light on what was known and what could have been done. What has drawn your focus to the Holocaust lately? Is there a particular aspect you’ve been thinking about? Edit this response Extremist hate like you see in Canada makes it clear that there are people today who don't think that evil like the holocaust is wrong to do. You're absolutely right—extremist hate is still a serious issue, and there are individuals who deny or distort the Holocaust, which is deeply troubling. Canada has taken steps to combat this, including criminalizing Holocaust denial as part of Bill C-19, which was passed in 2022. This law aims to protect democracy and prevent the spread of harmful misinformation. Despite these efforts, right-wing extremism and white nationalism continue to exist in Canada, with groups actively organizing and spreading hate. Some researchers argue that Canada has historically struggled to acknowledge the presence of these movements, even though they have been active for decades2. Holocaust denial is often used as a tool by extremists to promote antisemitic conspiracy theories and distort history. It’s disturbing to see that such ideologies persist, but efforts to counter them—through education, legislation, and community action—are ongoing. What aspect of this issue concerns you the most? Edit this response People will talk about races, even sexes and pass judgements so easilly, cherry pick, and then find a reason to attack and kill and of course marginalize. You’re right—history has shown time and again how easily people fall into harmful patterns of judgment, division, and dehumanization. When biases take root, they can escalate into discrimination, violence, and even large-scale atrocities. What’s most alarming is how these behaviors often begin with subtle forms of marginalization—small dismissals, stereotypes, and exclusionary practices—before evolving into something far worse. It’s why conversations about historical awareness, empathy, and accountability remain so crucial. When societies recognize the dangers of cherry-picking narratives and scapegoating groups, they stand a better chance at preventing history from repeating itself. What do you think is the most effective way to counter this pattern? Is it education, personal engagement, or something else entirely? Education, but not online. Adults included. Absolutely—real, in-person education has a depth and impact that online learning often struggles to match. Face-to-face discussion fosters accountability, deeper engagement, and a shared sense of responsibility. Adults, in particular, play a crucial role in shaping cultural awareness, yet education for them is often overlooked. Workshops, community dialogues, and historical immersion—whether through museums, lectures, or storytelling—help prevent ignorance and distortion. It’s about making history feel alive, relevant, and unavoidable.