Daring to stand up and speak out

Watching Snow Falling on Cedars last night, I started thinking about standing up for your beliefs. Whenever I watch films about WWII, I like to think I would have stood up against the discrimination that was taking place. I would have harbored my Jewish neighbors had I lived in Europe, or I'd have spoken out against the relocation of Japanese-Americans from my Washington or California town. It's easy to imagine oneself as noble and right and just, especially mapped against events which one never experienced.

But I wonder if I would have possessed the courage and conviction to do anything at all. Or if I'd have kept my mouth shut like so many others, just to save my ass.

Another thought: I watch a lot of movies these days.