Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Elie Wiesel in Auschwitz

As we watched the video of Elie Wiesel in Auschwitz, he talks about how difficult it was for the Jews to quickly gather all of their belongings and fit it into a small leather suitcase and walk away from their homes forever. The Germans told prisoners that they would get those belongings back, but they never did. The items were sold on the black market to make a German profit. To Elie, this act showed the atrocity of the time period and he questioned how fellow humans could take away all that you possessed. What do you think?

Watch the video below:



Respond to this prompt:
During the Holocaust, many Jews were driven from their homes with no more than 20 pounds of belongings. Imagine that you are forced to leave your own home without the hope of returning. In addition to clothes on your back, you are permitted to carry 20 pounds of your most precious possessions in a tattered knapsack.

Given the aforementioned scenario, what would you take with you? What would you leave behind? How would you determined what you took and what you left behind – i.e., would you fill your knapsack with valuables, such as wristwatches and jewelry, that could be traded, or would you fill it with more practical items, such as cooking utensils and socks? Would an item’s monetary value mean more or less than its sentimental value? Explain.

59 comments:

  1. Cherry Parham-If I had to leave my house in such a rush the 20 pounds of things i would take are small snacks and centimental items as well as necesities. Aside from soap a tooth brush and a change of clothes or 2 that would only take up about 5 pounds i would include my baby blanket my photos and momentos of my family and friends because i never know how long ill be gone and baby blanket i have had forever would always make me feel at home. with ten pounds left to fill i feel that i may need some bottled water and things like granola bars and such incase there is no food or water where i am going. 5 pounds left, what to take? i would have to go with rediculous things like my baby bunny and nesecities for him like food and water

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  2. If I was only able to take 20 pounds of possessions with me I would have half of it be made up of socks, shirts, an extra pair of pants, and an extra pair of shoes. Even though these aren't important sentimentally I think they would be good to have in case of rips and tears. The remaining ten pounds would be made up of little things that are important to me. I would bring a small book and my ballerina figurine because they are small comforts from home that would make me feel a little bit better every time I held them. I would also include my photo album because I know I won't be able to come back to my home again and I don't want to lose the memories I've made there. Lastly I would include other important items like soap and a toothbrush because I wouldn't know what would be given to us. I think in this situation that items that have a more practical purpose would be more important to have, but I also believe that it is important to have a few comforts from home that mean a lot to you because they would let you momentarily forget about what's happening around you.

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  3. Nathan Accornero
    If I were in their situation, being rushed out of my house needing to quickly grab few possessions, I wouldnt really know what to bring. I wouldnt find any of my possessions that important anymore. Rather I would have my concerns on a few necessities. I would bring warm clothing and whatever food I could get. In this awful situation, my only thoughts would be towards bringing anything needed to survive and making sure my family was prepared with me. Tangible possessions would no longer be of any value as my family's survival would be the only concern.

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  5. Chad Franco- If I were forced to leave my home and was only allowed to bring 20 pounds of gear I'd split up what I brought by usefulness and entertainment possibilities. I'd bring my iPod and headphones for entertainment. In addition to that I'd bring clothes that are suitable for the environment and I'd also bring a butterfly knife for protection purposes, plus they are fun to

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  6. Joe Figurelli
    If I was forced to leave my house with only 20 pounds of stuff, I would take my most liquid items, those that could be most easily turned to cash such as jewelry and other valuables. These would be essential if I had to trade or buy anything to survive. I would bring socks, another shirt, a jacket, and another pair of pants. I would also bring my cell phone and it's charger. My decision for what and what not to take would be based upon survival not comfort. Another concern would be the safety of my family, so these decisions are also based upon that.

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  7. Alex McGee
    If I was forced to leave my home and only had a few minutes to pack 20 pounds of my belongings, I would take items that were necessities first. I would pack two extra pairs of pants, two extra shirts, two pairs of socks, one light jacket, and some underwear!!! I would bring some soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush; as well as snacks that wouldn't spoil and water. I would also bring my cell phone and charger because I could use my phone as a computer as well. This would all weight about 15 pounds. I would use my last 5 pounds packing items that had more sentimental value to me than items that were worth a lot of money. I would pack some my teddy bear, a bible, and a journal to write about my experiences.

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  8. Eric Altman
    If I was forced out of my home and only was able to take 20 pounds of items I would probably just take only what would be necessary to survive. I would take things like extra clothing, water, and other common items that are needed. I would put extra clothing as most important because that could make your life miserable if you got your clothes wet and had nothing else to put on. You could get sick without dry clothes. I would take water for the obvious reason. I would take small things like non-perishable foods, a toothbrush, and some type of item that could clean you off. Lastly I would take something for entertainment. I would probably take a soccer ball to keep myself occupied. This would keep my mind off things and would help when boredom occurred.

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  9. Danielle Shovel
    If I were in this situation, I would pack some necessities, like soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, and food and water. I would take soap and toothpaste for good hygiene purposes. I would also take food and water in case there was none wherever we were going, and I would want to do everything I could to keep my family healthy and strong. I would also pack blankets so that we could stay warm. In addition to these necessities I would pack my teddy bear, Cuddles, to bring me some of the comfort from home. I would also pack a picture of my family so that I would stay close to them if we were separated.

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  10. Lauren Popko
    If I was forced to leave my home with only 20 pounds of possessions, I would bring my cell phone to stay in touch with the world and have the ability to call for help if I needed it. I would also bring a change of clothes and soap. With the soap I would be able to wash my dirty clothes and always have a somewhat clean pair to wear. I would also bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and blankets. These are all necessities and would be necessary for my family and I to survive. Finally, I would pack as much food as I could. I would be mostly worried about keeping me and my family safe, so the tangible possessions that were important to me before would not be important now. My only goal would be to bring items to keep my family safe and alive. In this situation, the material goods would not be something I would consider to pack.

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  11. Donald Wilson
    If i was taken from my house and I could only carry 20 pounds worth of things I would bring I would take things that are most personal to me. I would take pictures of my family and friends because it would remind me of the good times. I would take my iPod so I can listen to music that would cheer me up or help me focus on what is important. I would bring some changes of clothes so I wouldn’t get warm or cold in the different changes of seasons. I would take my favorite book to read because I would probably get bored and need to find something to distract me if my iPod died.

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  12. If I had to leave and could only take 20lbs of stuff I would choose wisely. I would bring a change of clothes and my favorite hoodie. I would also bring some money and anything of value that I could find in order to trade later when the times are desperate. I would also bring my ipod to make the trip a little easier. I would make sure to bring along my basketball and basketball shoes. This would alough me to play and take my mind off things. I eat a lot so whatever room I had left I would put as much food and gatorade into my bag as I could. Lastly I would have a picture of my family.

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  13. BEN SHORTHOUSE
    If i could only bring 20 pounds of belongings with me I would take some t-shirts, shorts, pants, coats, soap, toothbrush, water, non-perishable food items.

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  14. Dan Plance
    If I had to leave my house in a rush, I would take things with me that I need to survive. I would take a lot of money, along with a few changes of cloths along with toiletries, non-perishable food items, water, my cell phone & charger, my iPod (which I could trade for something if I had to) and a picture of my family. It would be hard to leave something’s behind like my lifestyle, laptop, car, and other things that are special to me or have a sentimental value. In a situation like this, I would take things with me that are necessary to survive not personal luxury items.

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  15. Kyla Parcell
    If i was told to leave my house with 20 pounds on my back I know i would bring a couple pictures of my family with me. They may have been gone but they would always be with me if i had that picture. I would probably take extra clothes like 2 socks 2 shirts and etc. I would bring snacks (fruits,nuts, etc)to eat and i would bring water n drink it sparingly. I need tooth brush, tooth paste, and deoderant.I need my cell phone of course and a journal n a pen. i would bring trade items to so i could get money or something better then what i had too. theres probably other things i would try to put in there but thats what ill be bringing:)

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  16. Andy Price
    If i was taken from my house and i was only allowed to bring 20 pounds worth of things, i would take things that are most useful and meaningful to me. I would have to take my i pod and try to make it last as long as possible because i know that it would be a very rough time at these camps. I would bring the things that are very meaningful to me and look at them everyday. I would take pictures of all of my family members and always look and think about them. I would also pack things like food that is very filling and all of the extra room i had left, i would bring lots of water. The last thing that i would bring is extra clothing so that i could change at night if it were cold out.

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  17. Ryan Gallucci
    If I were to only aloud to take 20 pounds of items upon being taken away, I would make sure that my family and I had the necessity items first such as extra clothing and food. After the necessity items i wouldnt concentrate on my most valuable items because they would get taken anyway. But i would make sure to bring as many pictures as possible so I can keep all of my memories from my life. And if i could i would bring a knive for protection and for a tool depending on where we were going and it is small and concealable. Overall I would make sure my family and I had as much neccesities as possible before leaving

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  19. Jack Shogan
    If I was forced to leave my house with only 20 pounds of stuff I would only bring the things along necessary for survival. I would bring all of my personal hygiene items such as my toothbrush, soap, and shampoo. Also since I have bad eye sight I feel that I would have to bring my glasses. I would also bring things to start a fire with like matches and lighter fluid. A sleeping bag would also be necessary. I would also bring a bongo drum to keep me entertained. The last item I would bring would be some sort of fun item like a soccer ball.

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  20. Julie Hredzak

    If I knew that I was never to return home, I would only bring items that were sentimental and useful to me, nothing valuable. I would bring with me maybe a few pictures of family so that I'm not completely separate from them. I would bring blankets, shoes and socks, toiletries, a journal, extra food, anything that will help me survive in the camps. Valuable items are useless, all that is important to me now is the safety and survival of my family and me. I would bring an item from home so that i can be reminded of its comfort and not forget it.

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  21. Brandon Young
    If I was being forced out of my house in a quick manner, I would be unsure of what to take. I would grab clothes, which would include sweatpants, shirts, and a hoodie to make sure I have different pairs of clothes to wear and to keep warm. Necessities such as non-perishable foods and bottled water would be the other things I would try to bring to be a temporary food source. With a few pounds left, a few pieces of jewelry would suffice to become liquidated to money if needed. After gathering these few belongings, my next concern would be for my family’s safety.

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  22. Melissa Dick

    If I was placed in the situation where I was to leave and not return, and I was not sure of my fate, I would bring only needs and meaningful objects with me. I would bring pictures of my family and friends, so that I could be reminded of cheerful memories, and be able to have hope if anything bad were to happen. I would bring my cell phone, and my cell phone charger, so that if I ended up getting split up from my family, I would be able to reach someone for help. I would also bring my Ipod, because music is very important to me, and it gives me hope and helps me stay happy. I would pack a variety of clothes, encase of different weather conditions. I could end up somewhere very hot, or very cold, so I’d being clothes for both types of weather. I would also bring as much food and water as I possibly could, because I would need them to be able to survive. I would not bring any monetary things such as jewelry, but If I was not sure where I was going to end up, I would bring some money because it could come in handy if I were to run out of food and water.

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  23. Lizzie Wrobleski
    I would first bring clothes for different weather conditions like a coat, gloves, boots, and rain jacket since I would have no idea where I would be going. I would also bring a food and a few books since I wouldn't know how long I would be traveling. Soap and other toiletries would come with me so I could keep clean. The rest of the space I would fill with valuables because trading and bribery would probably be necessary. I might bring a few pictures, but I wouldn't bring many sentimental thinsg. You always have memories of home, but things necessary for survival are much more important than things of sentimental value.

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  24. If I could only take a twenty pounds of my personal belongings I would take my Bible, extra clothes, food, water, and pictures of my family. I wouldn't take luxury items because they wouldn't have any value to me in this situation. I would take practical items to ensure that I would survive the longest period of time. I would also take sentimental values and not monetary values because anything with value would be traded. I would take a first aid kid and medicine in case I got sick and blankets to keep me warm.

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  25. Alyssa Carfang
    If i was in this situation, I would definitely make sure I packed necessities needed for survival. One of the top things on my list would be clothes and blankets to keep warm. I'd also take packages of food such as granola bars (and easily ready foods)and water so that I could keep my energy up and be hydrated. I'd also make sure I'd take toothpaste, soap, etc. so I could clean off any and all germs to keep up my health. In addition to that I'd take some medicine in case I did get sick I could keep up my health. I would probably take a necklace or some piece of jewelry that i worth money in case I got in a situation then I could trade it to get out of it, however I wouldn't bring my most prized possession. With whatever space I'd have left over, I would take a picture of my family and friends so that I could look at to help get me through the rough times.

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  26. If I was only allowed to bring 20 pounds of belongings when I left my home forever I would bring an extra change of clothes, socks, and one other pair of shoes. I would also bring things such as soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste so that I could stay clean and have good hygiene while I was away. I would also pack a couple water bottles just in case I was in a place that didn’t have clean drinking water. I would bring some valuables such as jewelry and even some money so that I could trade with others for food but the sentimental items would be much more important to me.
    Things such as pictures and treasured items would be more important to because things such a picture of my family would give me strength and help me get through things. The things that used to be important to me in the past such as my cell phone, computer, etc wouldn’t be something I would consider to pack because they wouldn’t have the level importance other things would have if I could never go home again.

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  27. Ben Germ
    Well, if i had to be evacuated from my home forcefully, i would take only the most important things to me. The first thing i would grab would be a picture of my entire immediate family. That would be the most precious thing that i could keep. The next thing would be the best clothes that i own. Not necessarily the most expensive clothes, but the most functional clothes that fit the weather. The next thing that i would bring would be some prepacked food that wouldn't spoil. That would need to last me at least a couple weeks. And the final thing i would take would be a deck of cards for entertainment. There are many different activities and games that you could play with a deck of cards.

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  28. I believe that I would take things that are necessary. I would bring clothes and extra socks, possibly an extra pair of shoes as well. I would also pack some things that are valuable like jewelry and also gold rings that I could trade with other people for food and other survival things like food. I think that I would leave behind blankets and pillows because they are not necessary for survival. I think that I would also pack a picture of me and my family just in case we got separated. I think I would pick these items because they are basic survival things and also sentimental values. I would leave other stuff behind because I can live without electronics.

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  29. Chris Little Period: 3
    If i was in this predicament I would make sure to take the things I would need to make sure I would survive. So the things I would bring along would be first and foremost clothes. The reason i would bring clothes is because you want to keep warm and have extra clothes in case if an outfit got wet or tarnished by the weather. The second thing I would chose to bring would be shoes, just in case if the shoes were to rip. Then the last thing i would bring along if i had enough room would be small packaged food. The food would be a very important essential for survival.

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  30. Matt Stonebrook

    I would probably take things that meant a lot to me on a personal level. I would not take practical things like extra clothes or things to cook with, but more like awards and things that I have earned and can not just get again. Things that are irreplaceable are what I would try to get and take with me. I don't think that an item's monetary could possibly mean more than it's sentimental value because you think that people will help you with finances after a catastrophic event like a fire or being taken away from your home to never return, but things that have great sentimental value to you often can not be replaced

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  31. If I was forced to leave my home I would bring several items. First I would bring a weapon for protection. I would either bring a small firearm or a knife. Secondly I would bring as much money that I could find and any jewelery that I have in hopes of being able to trade for something that I may need later on. Thirdly I would bring extra clothes. I would also bring my iPod and headphones along with my phone. Lastly I would bring however much food or water I can bring because it is necessary for survival.

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  32. Matt Slippy
    In this situation my first instinct is to pack something to defend myself. I would bring at least one pistol with spare magazines and ammunition. After that I would bring the main currency, then probably 2 or 3 other currencies in case I ended up in some other country. I would definitely bring a canteen with water in it perhaps another with some other choice beverage. Finally I would grab a compass, watch, and lighter. These items would all help me to survive nearly any situation and even allow me to escape from the Nazis. Also I'd try to hang on to a Bible if it didn't exceed the weight limits.

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  33. If i was ever in this situation i would not take anything valuable or sentimental, they would be hidden, in the slightest chance of my return so i would know they were still safe.
    I would take only the essentials, i.e clothes a small thing of ready made food and a bottle of water because most of the other stuff would most likely be taken.
    I would also be sure to take a good morale with me because as long as you keep your spirits up nothing can get to you.

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  34. In this situation The first thing i would include would be my saxophone, which only weighs about five pounds. This could potentially keep myself and possibly others entertained for a period of time, and playing is something that i enjoy doing and could do for a long time without getting bored. i would also bring a few articles of clothing that could keep me warm like a hoodie or a winter coat. Most of the things i would bring after that would be a lot of personal items that have large sentimental value to me, like pictures. The rest i would try to bring would be valuables that could help me get out of the camp, or after i got released i could have those things to sell in order to be able to still buy food and clothing as needed.

    ~Mark Southlea

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  35. navarre
    i wouldnt take many things of value with me, for fear of it being stolen. not knowing of the future i would expect to return and so would hide most of my valuables. food would be on such a list, but not knowing that i would be starved i wouldn't pack much. perhaps a few water bottles but again; not expecting to be dehydrated. i would personally be very uncooperative and would bring various protective measures that would probably result in my death. there is no way i could up and leave passively.I'm not sure if it is just the violent American speaking but i would fight before being taken. anything else would consist of tarps and blankets. for use in the cold.

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  36. Kelli Bassett I would definitely bring things to benefit myself. I would take medicine that was available in our households to keep up with our health in cases of emergency. I would take little snacks for the family to keep our energy up. There would definitely be warm blankets and change of clothes to keep myself warm during the cold nights. There would also be sentimental things in the knapsack. I would bring pictures of my family and friends because I don’t know how long I will be gone before I see them again and if I would ever again. Necessities are also very important to bring. Soap, toothbrush/toothpaste would help to keep my health in a good state. I would bring my sterling silver cross necklace to help me to stay strong through the rough times and if needed to trade in if any kind of situation that may come up.

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  37. Craig Allen Truman Jr.
    If I was in this situation, I would take my Laptop so I can check the news, play games if I got bored, and just make time pass quicker. I would take the biggest jacket I could find with me in order stay stay warm during the harsh winters and cold nights. I would take a bottle of water so I would have something to drink I could also use it to collect rain water as well. Lastly I would take my pillow, something soft to rest my head on while I sleep.

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  38. Kevin Bauer
    I i was in this situation i would take the things that are most valuable to my survival. Things like warm clothing and a blanket. i think that i would also take a small pop up tenet, those tenets are real convenient. I would also take some nonperishable foods like granola and beef jerky. I would also bring some cash along because that can always come in handy. Another thing that i would take along would be some valuables so that i could trade them for goods,

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  39. Adam Lis

    If I were to be rushed out of my house, I would have difficulty in choosing the certain amount of belongings to take. I think my first instinct would guide me to take the smallest valuables I owned. This would include jewelry or money. If worse comes to worse I would be able to sell or barter these belongings off to get out of trouble or supply me with food and water. People are very greedy and usually will let things slide if u persuade them with wealth. Now after financial belongings that do not take up a lot of space, I would take with me an extra pair of shoes. We have no idea where we would be going so it would be smart to take a comfortable yet sturdy pair of shoes. I have my doubts that we would not be staying in a four star hotel on the journey so it would be smart to take a large coat which could be worn at night, then towards the winter help me stay warm. Lastly I would take different non perishable foods that would supply me with energy and I could easily ration. These belongings would help me survive while I am treated very harshly. I would not take sentimental things items because I can always go back to memories and they would only slow you down and who knows what was going to happen.

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  40. I would take my blanket that my mom and I made when I was little because it has a lot of sentimental value to it. It’s something that is very comforting to me. I would take a lot of pictures because they aren’t heavy and have so much meaning to them. The pictures I would take would be of me and my dad at my debutante ball dancing, one of my uncle and I with taking the horses out. I would take things that remind me of home and where I came from since I would have to lea that place. I would take one jacket and some light weight clothing and shoes. I would leave behind things that didn’t have sentimental value and things that weren’t practical like high heels. I think things with monetary value are important but not as important as sentimental because things with sentimental value comfort you and keep you together.

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  41. Mark Wagner
    If I was put in a situation like this, I would only pack things that were vital for my family and I to stay alive. I would first pack clothes. I would bring a few pairs of socks, a coat, extra pair of shoes, and a pair of pants. This would keep me alive through the harsh winter months. Then I would proceed to bring a gun and bullets. This would ensure my families safety and if we were left to die a gun could provide food for me and my family to stay alive. Lastly, I would make sure that I would bring a Bible, this would keep my family in good spirits and comfort us in our darkest moments.

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  42. Miles Molinaro
    If I was in this type of position, I would make sure to grab things that would help me with survival. At the top of my list would my cell phone and its charger. In my option not having your phone is like not being connected to the world. The next items I would have would be warm clothes like thermals, sweat pants and blankets. Next I would bring food that would not take up much space like trail mix and packets that mix with water. By doing this I would be able to have a tasty drink where ever water was. Finally I would bring things with sentimental value like pictures of family and my I pod and medication that would be able to help me in sickness.

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  43. If I were forced to take twenty pounds of goods for survival without the hope of returning I would take things based on need not want. I would take personal hygiene items to keep clean and healthy. I would also be sure to take extra socks and jackets to stay warm because the weather is very harsh. I would take the money I had and anything I could barter with such as my phone and iPod. I would have to trade these things in order to help pay for the things I needed to survive. I would take a picture of my family and small memorabilia to remember them.

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  44. Nicoletta Giacchino

    If I were forced to pack my bags and move out with only twenty lbs of items, I would take necessities first such as a few t shirts and pairs of pants, hoodie, jacket, underwear, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap. I would also bring a blanket with me. Foodwise I would bring some nonparishable snacks and a jug that I could fill up with water. These things would be essential to my survival and anything else would be to trade and/or very sentimental to me. I would bring an i pod because its small and has a lot of value to possibly trade, a few pictures because they are light and worth 1000 words, my cell phone and cell phone charger to try to contact the ones I love, and some jewelary that would be worth something valuable. I would leave behing stupid things like makeup, stuffed animals, etc. The one thing that isnt completely necessary but I would bring if I had room would be a notebook and writing utensil. You could draw, write songs, write about your struggles, and writing gets a lot of emotion out.

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  45. If I were forced to leave my house and only take 20 pounds worth of my items with me it would be a very simple decision to as what I took. The most important thing for me to grab would be my blankie and stuffed animal, Tibit. Not only are they my “babies” but they always bring me great comfort when I’m upset or worried. If I was forced out of my house bringing blankie and tibit along would give me much comfort throughout my journey and also remind me of the special family members who gave them to me. The next item I would bring is a photo album with pictures of my family and closest friends. The sentimental value I would receive from those pictures would be able to help me through some rough times I thought I could possibly face after being forced out of my house. The only other specific item I would bring is my blue tear drop necklace. My grandmother who I am extremely close with bought me it several years ago for me to cover up a mark on my neck that I am very insecure about. The necklace is very important to me and I would not be able to live with myself if I left it behind. The remaining space i had left i would fill with practical items such as a change of clothes, a bottle of water, and a tooth brush. I feel like practical items would be a better choice than items with value. I think this because if I was forced out of my house without knowing where i was going i would just assume I would be able to find work or pay of some sort to make any money I would need.

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  46. Zack Bartolotta
    If i were but in this situation, i would take items that i absolutely need to survive. The items i would take are extra clothes, a bottle of water/ food, and a family picture/ id card. The clothes would be for if i go really dirty or wet and needed fresh clothes. The bottle of water and food are a given for survival. Finally, the picture and id would be for someone to identify me or my family in the event that something bad were to happen.

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  47. Charlotte Hershey

    If I was rushed out of my house left only with a few minutes to pack twenty pounds of items in to a bag, I would probably bring the following. First, I would bring a couple of things necessary for survival such as some clean drinking water, soap, food, along with a change of clothes. Next, I would bring two items I had that were of high value. These are important in case I was given the opportunity to trade for something I needed. I would also find room pack a few items that were sentimental to me. I would pack a picture of my family in order to always remember them and also to comfort me. I would also bring a stuffed animal that I’ve had since I was little. Lastly I would squeeze in a bottle of hair gel and hair spray! I would hate to have bad hair while I was gone!!
    I feel as though an items monetary value would mean less than it’s sentimental value. Money isn’t able to hold your emotions together when you’re scared and have no means of comfort. However, that picture of your family may be able to do the job. During packing, I would definitely pack something of sentiment before I would pack something of value.

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  48. Shazi Raza

    If I only had a few minutes to pack I would only bring extra clothing and lots of water and food. I would also include a bottle of vitamins in case they do not feed people. I would also bring money to be able to bribe the guards for some things I can't bring in my pack. Lastly I would get a small picture of my family to keep with me at all times.

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  49. Shelby Stock

    If I was forced out of my house and only had a few minutes to pack 20 pounds worth of items to bring with me, I would start with meaningful items. The first thing that would go in my bag would be my blankie. It is one of my most meaningful items because my parents gave it to me when I was a baby and I've kept it ever since. I would also bring my locket necklace that my mom gave me and my sister. Inside it says "I love you". If I was ever in a hard situation, reading this would give me the strength to carry on. Also if I needed to, I could always trade it. Next I would bring extra clothes (socks, pants, coat, underwear, sweatshirt) and a warm blanket. Then I would grab some food and water for my family and I. Finally, I would grab toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap to keep good hygiene.

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  50. Luis
    Given the same scenario where I can only take 20 pounds worth of items with me and will never see the rest again, I'd grab 1 change of clothes, minus the extra shoes, mementos, like my silver dollar, small photo album, and letters from my deceased relatives. Then I'd move on to grabbing my memory cards and my hard drives, and hand held video games, basically, things I can replace, but it would take one hell of a long time to do so. Take a few other things like money and watches for bartering, grab my whatchamacallit thingamajig (knife) that I keep in my night stand, stuff it all in my backpack, grab my fedora, and then walk out the door.

    Now if I knew they were just going to take my stuff anyway and I wasn't ever going to see it again either, I would just pack my rock collection, which in itself weighs around 17 pounds, just to mock them.

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  51. In the given scenario, I would first choose my small bible. I feel that if someone came barging into my home and told me I had to get out and only take 20 pounds of my belongings I would most definitely need some comfort, aka The written word. Second, I hate to say it but would be my blankie that little ball of silk has gotten me through a lot. I would probably bring warm clothing and put on a pair of boots possibly a jacket. I would bring my grandmothers diamonds and a photo album, just things in general that are important to me and my family. My guess is that's around 20 pounds but i probably would stuff in a canteen or seal-able container as well along with my knife.

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  52. If I was in this situation I would be very careful with what I would bring with me. Besides the clothes I had on my back I would bring 2 shirts, pants, socks, and underclothes since I would have no idea how long I would be gone. The next thing I would bring is a water bottle and food that would last long like cereal bars and nuts. I would next bring a toothbrush, a mini bottle of toothpaste, shampoo, soap, lotion, wipes, and a brush. I would bring these hygiene products because I cannot stand when my skin is dry or when I don’t brush my teeth it drives me crazy. Having soap and shampoo would help kill any germs that might make me sick. Also I would have to be able to get clean in some sort of way because even if I was put in a situation like that I would at least have the comfort of being clean. It would keep me comfortable and calm if I was in control of my body. I would also bring some expensive jewelry like diamond earrings and a gold necklace. I could use valuable things that that to trade for other items that I might need. It might be risky but I would bring a pocket knife, not to just stab people, but to be able to use for simple tasks that would be hard without one. In some situations it could be used for protection as well. The last thing I would bring would be a small photo album with my favorite pictures of my friends and family. If I didn’t know if I would be able to return to my home, I would have to keep a piece of it with me. Having those memories in time with me would help me fight to live and remember that there is good in life. If I had to be separated with my family I could at least have a picture of them with me. I think it would be more important to have a little something that had sentimental value to hold onto, to keep you from losing all hope.

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  53. Julia Hunnell
    If I had to pack up a couple things in a matter of minutes I would probably bring my cell phone, my iPod, my favorite teddy bear, a blanket or hoodie, a photo album and some food or snacks and water bottle if that would all fit in my knapsack. I would bring my phone because it has internet and pictures that I can look to for entertainment if I get bored. I’d bring my iPod to listen to music if I need something to keep me occupied. I would bring my favorite teddy bear so that if I get scared, I could hug it and feel like everything is going to be ok. I would bring a hoodie or blanket to keep myself warm. Even though I have pictures on my phone that I can look to of my friends, I would bring a photo album in case I got separated from my family and wanted to look back and remember them. Also I would need a water bottle and some food to keep me alive and strong in case there is no food where I am going. I would have to leave behind my dog Lilly, even though she is only 7 pounds, I would have no way of getting her the food she needs if I brought her with me. I suppose if I needed to trade any items in return for something that I need more, I would trade my iPod because I really don’t need it, it’s more of a luxury. I also do believe that an items monetary value means less than its sentimental value because for example, a teddy bear is just a teddy bear but to me it’s of more something that I can hold close to me and pretend it’s one of my family members or friends and it’s something that I could talk to when there is no one else to listen.

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  54. If I were only allowed to take 20 pounds worth of items with me i would first and foremost pack extra clothing that would keep me warm, as well as blankets. I would also bring along so non perishable food items(so they wouldn't get spoiled.)I would also take my cell phone and charger to contact anyone I could. I would bring money along and somethings that I could trade for money. I would take good and important items with me such as jewelry but I would not sell it because those are things that are very important to me.

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  56. To be honest if I had to take 20 pounds of belongings with out warning I'd first go for things of sentimental value to me. My silver bracelet from my grandmother, my Celtic pendent (symbolizing the chain of life), my millennial coin from my hometown in France, etc.. then i'd take warm clothes and a blanket. I'd also take with me my phone because its the most useful thing i own. I'd bring some small solar panels to charge it if need be. HOWEVER if I still had space/weight I'd pack my Japanese Katana to protect myself with. (Who knows the ghettos i think i a going to could get dangerous)

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  57. If i was forced to leave my home and only allowed to take 20 pounds of stuff with me, i would take mostly practical items. I believe that things such as blanket, cloths, eating utensils, and other survival gear have more use than items of sentimental value. I would however bring a picture of my family with me to remind me of the world outside the concentration camp

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  58. If i were in this situation and forced to leave my house and could only take twenty pounds of items there are certain items i wouldn't want to leave behind. The most important thing i would take with me would be pictures of my family and I. This is the most important because if something were to happen to my family members i would want to have memories of them because my family is the most important thing to me.the value of the photos would help me to get through the tough times and give me hope to live and fight for my life. i would also bring a change of clothes particularly something warm like a sweater and i would definitely want a toothbrush because i cant stand my teeth feeling dirty. i would also want to bring a blanket to keep me warm through cold conditions. one thing i cant live without is my cell phone. If i took my cell phone i would be able to contact my family and friends and a phone would help me to get help if needed. I would also bring my i pod to listen to if I get bored.Nice jewelery would be the last thing i would want to take with me. some jewelery i have has sentimental value to it and i wouldnt want to loose it.

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  59. Well to start off I would rip the hard drives out of my computer. It could take me 5 minutes to get the drives out. The drives let me carry my life in 2 separate 6"x2"x3". My life of pictures, letters, music, movies, games, everything about my life. After that, I would probably bring a knife, or some thing else small i could carry for defense. Beyond that I am not really sure, It would probably be clothes, or other utilities. I would also through in as much cash as I could get my hands on.

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