Problem
A. Can one responsibly generate a work of historical fiction about the Holocaust? If so, what considerations does one have to make? If not, why not?
B. Do you see Oskar Schindler's narrative as a success story, or a story of failure? Why??
C. Schindler's original plan was simply to make money off the war. Are the people who profit from wars morally responsible for them, or are they simply businesspeople? Explain.
D. In his portrayal of the 1943 liquidation of the ghetto, Spielberg juxtaposes footage of the massacre with footage of an SS officer playing Mozart on a piano in one of the apartment buildings. What do you think Spielberg is trying to convey by doing this?
E. In a conversation with Amon Goeth, Schindler tells the SS officer that it is not the ability to exercise violence that makes somebody exceptional, but rather the ability to pardon the "worthless" for no apparent reason. One interpretation of this scene is that Schindler is attempting to convince Goeth to treat his prisoners better, but is it possible that Schindler is really explaining his own motivations? Explain.
F. Immediately before fleeing his factory after Germany's surrender, Schindler laments all the additional lives he could have saved. Do you experience this kind of tension between spending money on yourself and spending it on others whose lives may depend on it? Explain.
G. In addition to those directly involved, many others both inside and outside Germany knew that terrible crimes were being committed against Jews, yet did nothing to stop them. Did these people have a responsibility to act? If not, why not?
H. Why do you think Schindler agreed to help Stern rescue his workers from the Holocaust? Do his motivations matter?
I. Schindler's List portrays many difficulties with ethical import. What ethical dilemmas were portrayed with this movie? Name at least 3 ethical dilemmas/challenges and provide context for them.
J. As an ethical leader, what lessons do you take from this film? And how will you live as an ethical leader/manager?