Browning

Browning talks about a certain group of men who were responsible for “clearing ghettos and massacring Jews outright during the blitzkrieg against Polish Jewry” (123). These men were basically in charge of shooting and killing the Jews. But what made them become killers? Browning explains that these men had the idea that they had to do this drilled into their heads. They did not agree with the fact that they had to shoot innocent people, but they knew “orders were orders and had to be carried out” (124). Ironically; however, Browning gives examples of men not feeling comfortable with the task they were commanded to do. These men would ask their comrades for a different task (not having to actually shoot the Jews), and most of the time they would be granted permission. Also, these men became killers because many of them felt like they had no choice but to do what they were told. If they did not perform their duty, then they would be looked down upon by their comrades. Browning writes, “One said that he had not wanted to be considered a coward by his comrades” (127). Many times the men would drink alcohol to help make the job seem easier. These men did not want to be shooting these Jews, and very often they would either intentionally miss their targets or blame it on the alcohol. They just had to make it seem like they wanted to in fear of losing their life.