Hitler and Nazis are increasingly popular as book topics and images in Germany. And a disturbing percentage of Germans long for a strong leader.
"Television, cinema and illustrated magazines are bringing the forms of brown-uniformed soldiers or SS officers into our living rooms with an intensity that's never been known before... the heroes of the crimes against humanity are laughing in our faces," wrote Jessen.
A poll published yesterday showed huge sympathy for Right-wing extremists among Germans from the capital and the surrounding region.
National Socialism "had its positive sides", thought 15 per cent of Berliners and 20 per cent of people living in the neighbouring state of Brandenburg.
At the same time 12 per cent of Berliners and 24 per cent of Brandenburgers said they wanted a "Fuhrer who would rule with a firm hand".
Here in the U.S., we have all sorts of weird allegations that Bush and Republicans represent a new Naziism. Perhaps, people should worry instead about a real nostalgia for Hitler in Europe rather than trumping up extremist comparisons that use Hitler as a metaphor rather than the historical monster he was. For it is the real Hitler who is inspiring real people in Germany, not the caricature used to tar Bush and conservatives. posted by Betsy Newmark permalink 7:38 AM
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Hitler and Nazis are increasingly popular as book topics and images in Germany. And a disturbing percentage of Germans long for a strong leader.
"Television, cinema and illustrated magazines are bringing the forms of brown-uniformed soldiers or SS officers into our living rooms with an intensity that's never been known before... the heroes of the crimes against humanity are laughing in our faces," wrote Jessen.
A poll published yesterday showed huge sympathy for Right-wing extremists among Germans from the capital and the surrounding region.
National Socialism "had its positive sides", thought 15 per cent of Berliners and 20 per cent of people living in the neighbouring state of Brandenburg.
At the same time 12 per cent of Berliners and 24 per cent of Brandenburgers said they wanted a "Fuhrer who would rule with a firm hand".
Here in the U.S., we have all sorts of weird allegations that Bush and Republicans represent a new Naziism. Perhaps, people should worry instead about a real nostalgia for Hitler in Europe rather than trumping up extremist comparisons that use Hitler as a metaphor rather than the historical monster he was. For it is the real Hitler who is inspiring real people in Germany, not the caricature used to tar Bush and conservatives. posted by Betsy Newmark permalink 7:38 AM
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