Women

  • Exotic Military Service

    For a long time in Dutch historiography and discourse, the entirety of the Indonesian War of Independence was referred to by the euphemistic term politionele acties, as used by the government at the time. In the Netherlands, the prevailing impression was that there had only been two distinct, short-term police actions intended to restore Dutch…

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  • Sex during the Holocaust

    I know this is an awkward subject and some people may have difficulties even reading past the first sentence. However just because it is awkward and  controversial doesn’t mean it is not important. Sex is one of the most primal human instincts and urges it is how we manage to reproduce, but is more then…

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  • Men’s fascination with women’s breasts is a widespread phenomenon observed across cultures, yet the reasons behind it are complex and multifaceted. Scientific research suggests that this attraction stems from a combination of evolutionary, biological, neurochemical, psychological, and cultural factors. Understanding these factors provides insight into human sexuality and the diversity of sexual attraction. Evolutionary Perspectives…

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  • The interest men show in female breasts can be explained through several scientific and evolutionary perspectives. Here’s a detailed breakdown: Evolutionary and Reproductive Signals Breasts are secondary sexual characteristics—they signal sexual maturity and fertility. Full, symmetrical breasts can unconsciously indicate reproductive health to a potential mate. From an evolutionary standpoint, men who were attracted to…

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  • Claire Monis (1922–1967) lived a life that wove together art, defiance, and endurance. A French singer and actress from a Jewish family, she was both a member of the French Resistance and a survivor of Auschwitz, where she was forced to perform in the Women’s Orchestra. Her story illustrates how music could serve as both…

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  • The Budy Massacre of October 5–6, 1942, remains one of the lesser-known atrocities of the Auschwitz concentration camp complex. Within the women’s penal company (Frauenstrafkompanie) at the Budy subcamp, approximately ninety French-Jewish women were beaten to death by SS guards and prisoner functionaries. This essay reconstructs the event, examines its causes and aftermath, and situates…

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  • (First published May 29, 2024) I had a draft for this piece ready in 2018 but deleted it at the time because I thought it would be too controversial and uncomfortable to read. Forward to 2025, I still think it will be deemed as controversial, and I still think it is uncomfortable to read, but…

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  • Moffenmeiden

    Moffenmeid is a designation for women who had relationships with German soldiers during the occupation of the Netherlands during World War II, or there was suspicion of their doing so. The word mof is a swear word for German—the English equivalent is Kraut. The women in question were sometimes pro-German or prostitutes, but often, they…

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  • On March 26 and 28, two transports of Slovakian Jews were registered as prisoners in the women’s camp, where they were subjected to forced labor. These were the first transports organized by Adolf Eichmann’s department IV B4 (the Jewish office) within the Reich Security Head Office (RSHA). On March 30, the first RSHA transport from…

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  • I am certain this piece will stir emotions and likely spark controversy. Some may question, “Why choose this subject?” However, to truly understand the Holocaust—both for future generations and ourselves—it is essential to explore all aspects, no matter how difficult. Recently, I came to understand how deeply important it was for many Holocaust survivors to…

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