Literature is the key to learning different aspects of life, including the past. With Nazi hate symbols and nationwide controversy, history seems to be going in a cycle of reflecting its past into the present.

From Wisconsin High’s picture of student saluting to swastikas being painted around the valley, these events are shaping the society future generations must look forward to. Therefore, these occurrences are negatively influencing the standards in which upcoming youth must accept.

According to AZ Family on Channel 3, there has been a 37 percent increase in Jewish hate crimes nationally in the past year.

Sophomore Ainsleigh Cardone says, “The human race has not learned that it is not okay to kill someone,” she goes on to explain, “with advances in technology, such as guns and weapons, it’s coming to a more extreme.”

In contrast, novels like The Book Thief, which are being taught among many high school classes on campus, are coming to life.

This book shed light to worldwide issues, and draw connections between the past and present.

These Nazi symbols that are being posed within society are going against what students are being taught to respect.

As a result, divides among people and society expand and culture is brought back to where is started. By teaching students about the effects these hate symbols have had, it can aid the future generations in understanding how to accept and learn from not only past history, but people as individuals.

Sophomore, Harry Tilzer states, “We should be able to peacefully express ourselves, before we have to forcefully express ourselves.”

These events shape the future of standards and morale among society. Although people are entitled to their opinions, respect is one of the foundations of freedom within America. If students aren’t made aware of current events, then history could be erased.

English and yearbook teacher, Erika Stueber states, “We never want to forget what happened. In order to learn from our past, we need to educate ourselves.”

Through teachings within The Book Thief, students learn about the life of many who grew up in a time where Nazi propaganda was influenced in people’s daily lives.

By drawing these comparisons and contrasting life from then to now, there are many hopes that these events will surpass as students become more knowledgeable on what is happening around them.

Sophomore, Carter Dicher reflects back to Martin Luther King explaining, “We need to repeat that part of history, instead of the bad part of history.”

With the resurfacing of Nazi salutes and swastikas, teachers are now seeing more of an urgency to teach lessons derived from novels like The Book Thief. Because many are unaware of certain precautions regarding the motives of these actions, the growing generation will not be taught the necessary tools involved in aiding them as a human within society.