Swing Kids Essay Example
Swing Kids Essay Example

Swing Kids Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 4 (831 words)
  • Published: March 25, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
View Entire Sample
Text preview

In 1939, the autonomy of German youth was critically threatened by Nazi Germany. However, a faction known as the 'Swing Kids' emerged from the turmoil of the battlegrounds. This group comprised rebellious youth who used American-originated swing music to oppose the Nazis. The new swing music era brought about additional punishments for the young by the Nazis. This stance of the Nazis sparked worldwide rebellion among children. In the narrative, Peter & Thomas are a pair of friends whose perspectives on Nazi Germany evolves. Prior to Hitler Youth, Peter, Thomas, and Arvid were inseparable, spending their time together.

A group of friends used to enjoy themselves at swing parties in the dance hall. They also had a pastime of listening to old records at Arvid's house and tried to identify them. Arvid, bei

...

ng physically handicapped, was often ridiculed by Peter, leading to constant disagreements between the two. However, Thomas would always stand up for Arvid whenever he was mocked. At the start of the film, the three friends frequently made sarcastic remarks about the Hitler Youth, expressing their view that it is filled with weaklings and it deprives people of fun.

The plot of the film led Peter into a difficult situation, causing him to be sent to a camp. Both Peter and Thomas came up with a plan to go to a neighborhood store and take back a radio that the Nazis had pilfered. One of the lads keeps the shopkeeper engaged, and the other one swipes the radio. They absconded from the store with the proprietor pleading for assistance as the juveniles absconded with the radio. As they scampered through a side street

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

they were pursued by Gestapo agents. Thomas, being faster, managed to leap onto a truck's back and escape unscathed while Peter was unable to evade capture.

Peter was apprehended and subsequently compelled to partake in the HJ. On his initiation day at the new HJ institution, he encounters his comrade Thomas, clad in uniform, in the corridor. Peter spontaneously muttered, "HJs during the day, Swing boys at night". Thomas united with Peter in the HJ institution out of desire to accompany his friend and assumed responsibility for Peter's presence there. Progressing thoughts amongst individuals and across a country mandates effort, a process termed as Propaganda. As depicted in the cinematic production "Swing Kids", propaganda was geared towards the younger demographic to nurture them into future HJ participants.

The agitprop had an impact on the trio of close friends, undermining the camaraderie and fealty formerly shared among them. The two elder boys were particularly influenced by the Nazi promotional strategies, ultimately becoming members of the Hitler Youth. Through this alliance, they found themselves submerging deeper into the Nazi community. Arvid, a guitar player, detested the idea that greatly strained their bonds, leading him to hate the Nazi regime and eventually take his own life. Upon learning about Arvid's suicide, the two remaining lads confronted each other - Thomas backing the Hitler Youth while Peter sustained his personal beliefs. This situation caused a complete rift in their relationship.

In the midst of tension, Peter and Thomas found themselves embroiled in a bitter feud, leading to negative assumptions about each other. The entire narrative displayed their companionship going through a series of trials. It was evident that the Nazi Regime was

manipulating the mindset of German youth during that period, in line with their long-planned agenda. Arvid was cognizant of the fact that the moment his friends joined the HJ, they were no longer the same individuals he knew. His premonition turned out to be true as both boys had succumbed to Nazi brainwashing. Their indoctrination was so profound that they betrayed their own parents to the Gestapo, leading to their unfortunate demise.

An instance demonstrating how the Nazi regime indoctrinated young minds comes from when Peter was tasked with delivering a package to a woman. A child, presumably around 5 years old, performed the Nazi salute and exclaimed 'Hail Hitler.' Near the conclusion of the film, Peter's indoctrination seemed to wane such that he left HJ, whilst Thomas remained and succumbed to an even deeper level of brainwashing. Beyond the Swing Kids' fondness for swing music, they also symbolized resistance against the oppressive rule of the Nazis during that era. They achieved this through dance, sporting long hair, and enjoying themselves.

Rather than lauding Hitler while at home, they chose to engage in merriment at night-time swing parties. Hitler was of less concern to them than enjoying the company of their friends and relatives. Children worldwide were eager to resist. Peter Muller and Thomas Berger, two young rebellious spirits, in particular, manifested their rebellion against the coerced conformity of Nazi Germany through their passion for swing music. When a harmless joke involuntarily enrolls Peter into the Hitler Youth, their companionship and allegiances are challenged by the enticing influence of Nazism. At the narrative's conclusion, Peter discards his uniform in favor of his Swing Kids attire.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New