Among the controversial elements of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is Shirer's obvious revulsion for homosexuality. Gay men in particular are characterized as "perverts," "abnormals," and "criminals." Although it's true that homosexual acts were considered criminal in Germany during the years that Shirer is describing—as they were in a number of other Western nations, including the U.S.A—Shirer seems to have more than the legal sense of the word "criminal" in mind.
Questions About Sexuality and Sexual Identity
- Does Shirer discuss same-sex activities or relationships among any men who aren't Nazis?
- Does Shirer mention any differences between public perceptions of homosexuality in the Weimar Republic and public perceptions of homosexuality in Nazi Germany?
- What does Shirer say about the systematic persecution of gay men during the Holocaust? Hint: zero.
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Other than the admitted fact that he didn't want to exterminate them, Shirer shares some unfortunate opinions with the Nazis about homosexuals.
The author's beliefs about homosexuality lead him to totally ignore the persecution of gay men during the Holocaust.