What is the primary purpose of “The Perils of Indifference”?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The primary purpose of “The Perils of Indifference” is to warn against the dangers of indifference to human suffering and to call for moral responsibility and empathy. Elie Wiesel, the speech’s author, emphasizes that remaining indifferent to the pain of others allows injustice, cruelty, and oppression to continue unchecked.
Explanation:
In his speech, delivered on April 12, 1999, at the White House as part of the Millennium Lecture Series, Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel reflects on the moral consequences of indifference. His personal experience in surviving the atrocities of the Holocaust gives his words profound significance, as he urges the audience to recognize how indifference dehumanizes both the victim and the perpetrator.
Wiesel argues that indifference is more dangerous than hate or anger because it signifies a lack of empathy and a refusal to act in the face of suffering. He draws on historical examples, such as the world’s initial inaction during the Holocaust, to demonstrate how indifference perpetuates injustice. Wiesel questions how the world could remain indifferent to the suffering of Jews and others who were persecuted during World War II. By not intervening or standing up against atrocities, society condones the perpetuation of violence and dehumanization.
The purpose of the speech is not only to recount the horrors of the past but also to provide a moral lesson for the future. Wiesel urges people to act with compassion, to stand up for human rights, and to not let indifference corrupt the collective conscience of humanity. Through this plea, he reminds the audience that every individual has a responsibility to fight indifference and work toward a more just world.