dw.com
Mein Kampf's" Resurgence: Profiting From Hate and the Rise of Extremist Violence
Despite being published nearly 100 years ago and Hitler's death 80 years ago, "Mein Kampf" remains highly profitable, indicating a worrying resurgence of extremist ideologies, fueled by social media and resulting in increased violence that requires immediate countermeasures.
- How has social media contributed to the resurgence of extremist ideologies and the breakdown of social taboos surrounding Hitler's hateful views?
- The high price of "Mein Kampf" reflects not only historical interest but also the resurgence of extremist ideologies. Historians link this resurgence to a breakdown of social taboos, exacerbated by social media's amplification of radical views, mirroring Hitler's own strategy of shocking then conciliating.
- What is the significance of "Mein Kampf's" continued high market value, and what does it reveal about the present-day relevance of Hitler's ideology?
- Mein Kampf," Hitler's 1925 manifesto, is fetching high prices—over €300 for Spanish and $600 for English editions online, highlighting the continued, albeit disturbing, market for his hateful ideology. This profit from hate speech demonstrates the enduring influence of his extremist views despite his death 80 years ago.
- What concrete steps are necessary to counter the rising tide of extremist violence and the normalization of hateful symbols associated with Hitler's ideology?
- The alarming rise in extremist violence, particularly among young people, necessitates concrete protective measures for organizations combating these ideologies. This violence, coupled with the normalization of hateful symbols, indicates a growing threat requiring strong societal pushback and clear condemnation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the resurgence of far-right ideologies as a direct and alarming consequence of Hitler's unchecked ideas, potentially downplaying other contributing factors. The repeated emphasis on the continued profitability of Mein Kampf and the alarming increase in violence highlights the negative aspects of the situation, creating a sense of urgency and fear.
Language Bias
The article uses strong language like "venenoso" (poisonous), "espantoso" (horrifying), and "brutalidad" (brutality) to describe Hitler's ideology and its resurgence. While accurate in describing the severity, this loaded language may evoke strong emotional responses and potentially overshadow nuanced discussion.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the resurgence of Hitler's ideology and the sale of Mein Kampf, but omits discussion of broader societal factors contributing to the rise of extremism, such as economic inequality, political polarization, or historical grievances. It also doesn't explore alternative approaches to countering extremist ideologies beyond increased security measures and social marginalization.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between those who reject Hitler's ideology and those who embrace it, neglecting the nuances of opinions and beliefs within the broader political spectrum. Many people may hold some views critical of certain aspects of modern society without necessarily aligning with extremist ideologies.
Gender Bias
The article features several male historians and experts, but lacks female perspectives beyond one historian's quote. While this doesn't necessarily indicate a bias, a broader range of voices would enhance the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the resurgence of extremist ideologies, including antisemitism, racism, and hostility towards democracy – all threats to peace, justice, and strong institutions. The normalization of such views, facilitated by social media, undermines democratic processes and social cohesion, fostering an environment conducive to violence and intolerance. The rise in violence against organizations combating extremism further underscores the failure to effectively address these threats.