Really, guys?
When this World Cup party decided to go for a German theme, instead of Lederhosen or alcoholism, which wonderful stereotype did they opt for?
In an image proudly posted to Instagram, a group appears to be celebrating Germany’s World Cup win in Hitler drag. The image was reposted to Instagram and shared with us last night.
Of course, in full relativism mode, it should be recognized that “Adolf Hitler” registers in Asia about the same as Western hipsters slouching around in Mao Zedong, Che Guevara or Darth Vader T-shirts. Unlike in Western nations, there’s no particular emphasis in the Thai classroom or media about the holocaust and ugliest aspects of World War II. Whether right or over-righteous, Westerners hold a near-universal discomfort with the heinous crimes against humanity perpetuated by the Austrian-born head of the Third Reich.
8-bit Hitler was a popular T-shirt on sale three years ago, as seen last week in Siam Square. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok
Waffling aside, the appearance of a farang among this group would seem to undercut any arguments of genuine ignorance that it would be horribly offensive to roughly half the world’s population. A dude shoulda said something?
Maybe they’re just postmodern hipster fans of jailed 1960s cult leader Charles Manson, as not many Germans ever sported swastikas on their foreheads.
Chucky Manson
It’s not the first time Bangkok’s educated, upper-class has displayed this brand of stupid. In 2013 graduates from Chulalongkorn University famously celebrated with the architect of mass genocide depicted on a mural of “superheroes.”
Related:
Superheroes invade Chula graduation, this time with 100% less Hitler
Achtung! Chula students celebrate graduation with Hitler
Nein! KFC threatens lawsuit against non-existent Hitler fried chicken restaurant
