As Movember once again approaches, my poignancy sets in. Why you ask? Simple. Let me explain:
We, the future generation, unknowingly give him monumental respect through the banishment of his first and last names and even the complete eradication of a simple mustache style. To look, sound like, or resemble Hitler is without question the most internationally recognized and heavily reinforced social taboo of modern times. He single handedly engraved himself as the most original badass in human history. Even long after his suicide, nobody dare name their children after this man or grow a square under their nose. He is so influential he isn't even allowed as a Halloween costume in our celebration of evil in all shapes and forms. Every statue of this man has been destroyed and will be forbidden to ever exist again. Even in death he controls and intimidates the greater society of earth. Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar and British Imperialism, and the influence they have wrought are comparable to the legacy of this menace; the likes of a single human being, his impact is simultaneously impressive and insensibly horrendous.
Forces with such effect are indeed rare in this universe. The politics of forgetting is contentious; symbolism and fear keep the masses down. But it is this unacknowledged respect to which we have given is what truly vexes me. Ultimately, it should be a sign of contempt, rather than silent repression; while bombs dropped over London in the 40s, Chaplain alone ridiculed Hitler, inspiring those around him to great deeds of service and sacrifice; “The hate of men will pass and dictators die and the power they took from the people, will return to the people.” If not then, surely now we can do away with taboo, do away with the symbolism and the veil over the past? The politics of forgetting is a stark path indeed; it is in this context that history is allowed to repeat itself. Hitler is not the first nightmare, nor will he be the last.
So once again I look in the mirror in contemplation, a stiff upper lip. What do I create this year? Perhaps a set of handlebars to go along with the motorcycle I do not posses? Or maybe a proud, bushy duster to match my ‘rough exterior’? Symbolism is entirely political; I guess I’ll just shave.
M
