a distant memory meaning idiots don't feel like they're a threat anymore
This is, in general, why I think current events are the way they are. Disease, Fascism, Populism, (lack of) separation of church/state, eroded Unions/labour rights, ... it only took a few generations living without the personal pain caused by allowing these things to exist, for certain nations and people to forget.
Too late now, but if every US child had been required to visit a death camp and take a semester of WWII history (actual version, not some Texas-schoolbook division approved, neutered/revisionist one) maybe we wouldn't be here today.