taz.de
German Neo-Nazis Adopt Coded Messaging Through Fashion"
German neo-Nazis are increasingly using coded symbols and mainstream clothing to conceal their identities, employing numbers like "88" for "Heil Hitler" and brands like New Balance, creating challenges for identification and requiring awareness of their methods.
- What specific symbols, numbers, and brands are commonly used as coded messaging within the German neo-Nazi scene, and what are their meanings?
- Neo-Nazis now utilize fashion brands and clothing styles to mask their ideology, employing coded symbols like "88" for "Heil Hitler" and "14" for David Lane's 14 words. This tactic allows them to blend into society while maintaining group recognition.
- How has the visual identification of neo-Nazis in Germany changed, and what challenges does this pose for identifying and countering their activities?
- The German neo-Nazi scene has shifted from easily identifiable uniforms to more subtle streetwear, using coded symbols and numbers to communicate amongst themselves. This change makes identifying them more difficult, requiring detailed knowledge of their coded language.
- What long-term societal effects might result from the neo-Nazi scene's adoption of covert messaging techniques through fashion and what strategies can effectively counteract this?
- The use of coded symbols and mainstream clothing allows neo-Nazis to circumvent bans on overt Nazi symbols and spread their ideology more discreetly within the general population. Initiatives like Fashion against Fascism are working to counteract this by documenting these codes and collaborating with retailers.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is primarily descriptive and informative, detailing the methods used by neo-Nazis to hide their symbols. While focused on the neo-Nazi perspective in explaining the codes, it doesn't present this as justification or endorsement. The headline and introduction clearly set the tone of the article, aiming to inform readers about the changing tactics of the scene.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, describing the methods and symbols employed by the neo-Nazi scene. While terms like "Heil Hitler" are used, it's within the context of explaining the codes, not to promote them. The article maintains a journalistic tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the changing tactics of neo-Nazis in using clothing and symbols to communicate, but it omits discussion of broader societal factors that might contribute to the rise of extremist ideologies. It also doesn't explore the effectiveness of initiatives like Fashion Against Fascism in countering the spread of these symbols. While acknowledging space constraints is understandable, the lack of this context limits a complete understanding of the problem.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the efforts of the initiative "Fashion against Fascism" to combat the use of coded symbols and brands by right-wing extremists to promote their ideology and potentially incite violence. By documenting and raising awareness of these codes, the initiative contributes to preventing the normalization of such symbols and disrupting the recruitment and organization of extremist groups. This directly supports the SDG's goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.