The Perils of Indifference: Consideration Questions

1. Who is Wiesel’s audience and why is he giving this speech? 2. What is the central concept of his speech? 3. How does he feel about indifference? Positively/Negatively/Sometimes it’s necessary? 4. Is this speech just intended for Americans? 5. What are some examples of indifference? Was everyone indifferent? 6. Is society getting better or are we still indifferent? What does Wiesel think? What do you think? 7. Wiesel makes many references to the US? How does he feel about them? Then and now? Does it change? 8. Is there any passage in particular that struck you as interesting/confusing/upsetting?

Extension Exercise:

Considering the thesis of Wiesel’s speech, discuss the role that indifference plays in your everyday life. You may choose to use your own life, the experiences of friends or other examples to which you have been exposed. First complete a rough list of your ideas and then use it to construct a more detailed examination of the role of indifference in your life.