‘Die Welle’ (The Wave) Sure To Touch Some Nerves

A fascinating new German film has just turned up that’s sure to ruffle a few feathers given its subject matter. ‘Die Welle’ (the wave) examines the possibilities of how a new Nazi styled dictatorship could rise to ascendancy, even against a strong background of education regarding it’s dark history.

The whole thing is based on an actual experiment carried out by schoolteacher Ron Jones back in California in 1967 in which he subjected students to a harsh regime of obedience and conformity. The experiment involved the recital of logos, a uniform, membership cards and even their own salute.

Before long, those involved were quiet and obedient and believed in what they stood for with a sinister passion. The experiment rapidly grew out of control when people outside the group who criticized them were the subject of an aggressive responsive from the those involved. Jones ended the experiment by tricking students into attending a meeting in which they expected to meet the movement’s leader. Instead, they were shown a film of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime which by all accounts had a pretty profound affect on all involved, leading many to never speak of it again. Continue Reading…