07-18-2008, 11:36 PM
Christian,
Well, based on the fact that it is well known that some of the upper echelons of the SS used some sort of Pseudo-Norse/Germanic Paganism as a means with which to motivate the men under their command. Instilling them with a 'Heroic Warrior Code' served to give them a sense of purpose and a focus for a Moral crusade. This kind of indoctrination has been used by military forces throughout history, stripping a man of his humanity and turning him into a killing machine. Even to this day, groups like the US Marine corps, seek to instill, loyalty, honour, code and national and regimental history in their recruits. The visual aspect of this is apparent in the Nazi context, with the use of historical and religious symbolism and iconography.
This then seems a perfect way to fire up young men with fighting vigour and distract them froms the horrors and suffering they are about to inflict on the world.
No, the swastika symbol itself is not important (in its own right), but the principal is, Of course, no rational, decent human being would wish to offend anyone with this symbol in its Evil tainted Nazi context, but that does not change the fact that if we are to portray history accurately then we have to do it "Warts and all" Yes its an Ugly truth, but Truth never the less.
It is unfortunate that in Germany, there exists still, a profound sensitivity towards this symbol. We in England seem to have gotten over Norwegians invading our monasteries in the 8th C, indeed,even forgiven the Normans for defeating us at Hastings, But remember you said "......biggest atrocities in history" Yes recent history. But in all of history, not necessessarily, What about what the Romans did to the Christians and indeed most of Europe for that matter, atrocity after atrocity, what next ban Christians from wearing the Crucifix, as it signifies the horrific torture and execution of a man, indeed! Infact what about banning Roman re-enactors from wearing the Gladius, how many Celts were brutally slain at the business end of that pointy little weapon. Should we not be offended over their pointless deaths? or is it?(as I suspect ), that death and our sense of bereavement has a shelf life, do I care that my ancestor Olaf was Killed in an argument with Ragnar from the next village 1000 years ago?, no not really, do I care that my grandad was killed in action the day before the war against the Nazi's ended? Yes Damn right I do, but Its still history and it still needs to be explored and told to our children.
Where does it stop?
By remembering, We don't have to hang on to Hate and Fear, but rather remember how we defeated it!
Quote:Circular reasoning? Based on what?
Well, based on the fact that it is well known that some of the upper echelons of the SS used some sort of Pseudo-Norse/Germanic Paganism as a means with which to motivate the men under their command. Instilling them with a 'Heroic Warrior Code' served to give them a sense of purpose and a focus for a Moral crusade. This kind of indoctrination has been used by military forces throughout history, stripping a man of his humanity and turning him into a killing machine. Even to this day, groups like the US Marine corps, seek to instill, loyalty, honour, code and national and regimental history in their recruits. The visual aspect of this is apparent in the Nazi context, with the use of historical and religious symbolism and iconography.
This then seems a perfect way to fire up young men with fighting vigour and distract them froms the horrors and suffering they are about to inflict on the world.
No, the swastika symbol itself is not important (in its own right), but the principal is, Of course, no rational, decent human being would wish to offend anyone with this symbol in its Evil tainted Nazi context, but that does not change the fact that if we are to portray history accurately then we have to do it "Warts and all" Yes its an Ugly truth, but Truth never the less.
It is unfortunate that in Germany, there exists still, a profound sensitivity towards this symbol. We in England seem to have gotten over Norwegians invading our monasteries in the 8th C, indeed,even forgiven the Normans for defeating us at Hastings, But remember you said "......biggest atrocities in history" Yes recent history. But in all of history, not necessessarily, What about what the Romans did to the Christians and indeed most of Europe for that matter, atrocity after atrocity, what next ban Christians from wearing the Crucifix, as it signifies the horrific torture and execution of a man, indeed! Infact what about banning Roman re-enactors from wearing the Gladius, how many Celts were brutally slain at the business end of that pointy little weapon. Should we not be offended over their pointless deaths? or is it?(as I suspect ), that death and our sense of bereavement has a shelf life, do I care that my ancestor Olaf was Killed in an argument with Ragnar from the next village 1000 years ago?, no not really, do I care that my grandad was killed in action the day before the war against the Nazi's ended? Yes Damn right I do, but Its still history and it still needs to be explored and told to our children.
Where does it stop?
By remembering, We don't have to hang on to Hate and Fear, but rather remember how we defeated it!
Bruce Tordoff
"Truth is my sword, Wisdom is my shield
and ignorance is the foe to which I shall not yield"
"Truth is my sword, Wisdom is my shield
and ignorance is the foe to which I shall not yield"
