Defusing 'Mein Kampf'

Mikeyy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2012, 08:26 PM

Adolf Hitler's rambling magnum opus, Mein Kampf ("My Struggle") is considered a blueprint of the radical nationalist, pungently anti-Semitic vision that he would put into practice when the Nazis captured power in Germany, in 1933. It reflects his thinking so accurately that one German historian describes the book as "direct access to Hitler's brain."

In fact, the book's contents were considered potent and infectious enough that the postwar administration in Allied-occupied Germany banned its publication, a prohibition that German authorities maintained, and which is to remain in place until the end of 2015, when the copyright expires. What happens then is the object of intense discussion and soul-searching in Germany, where, 67 years after the war's end, freedom of speech is still curtailed when it promotes Nazi ideology.

Defusing 'Mein Kampf' - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Oftencold · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2012, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeyy

Adolf Hitler's rambling magnum opus, Mein Kampf ("My Struggle") is considered a blueprint of the radical nationalist, pungently anti-Semitic vision that he would put into practice when the Nazis captured power in Germany, in 1933. It reflects his thinking so accurately that one German historian describes the book as "direct access to Hitler's brain."

In fact, the book's contents were considered potent and infectious enough that the postwar administration in Allied-occupied Germany banned its publication, a prohibition that German authorities maintained, and which is to remain in place until the end of 2015, when the copyright expires. What happens then is the object of intense discussion and soul-searching in Germany, where, 67 years after the war's end, freedom of speech is still curtailed when it promotes Nazi ideology.

Defusing 'Mein Kampf' - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education

I have heard that it is a terrible read, the mental equivalent of wading through hip-deep molasses. I doubt that it can do much to captivate today's young Germans. Not with all the mass media distractions available.

This isn't to say that the Nazi creed, presented in a modern form couldn't

Mikeyy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2012, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oftencold

I have heard that it is a terrible read, the mental equivalent of wading through hip-deep molasses. I doubt that it can do much to captivate today's young Germans. Not with all the mass media distractions available.

This isn't to say that the Nazi creed, presented in a modern form couldn't

I would find it funny if you posted that you heard it was a good read

Oftencold · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeyy

I would find it funny if you posted that you heard it was a good read

Why? I approve of the Federalist Papers, but they also are a hard read.

lackluster · #5 (**permalink**) 07-12-2012, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeyy

Adolf Hitler's rambling magnum opus, Mein Kampf ("My Struggle") is considered a blueprint of the radical nationalist, pungently anti-Semitic vision that he would put into practice when the Nazis captured power in Germany, in 1933. It reflects his thinking so accurately that one German historian describes the book as "direct access to Hitler's brain."

In fact, the book's contents were considered potent and infectious enough that the postwar administration in Allied-occupied Germany banned its publication, a prohibition that German authorities maintained, and which is to remain in place until the end of 2015, when the copyright expires. What happens then is the object of intense discussion and soul-searching in Germany, where, 67 years after the war's end, freedom of speech is still curtailed when it promotes Nazi ideology.

Defusing 'Mein Kampf' - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Had it right there on your bookshelf, did you?

Mikeyy · #6 (**permalink**) 07-12-2012, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lackluster

Had it right there on your bookshelf, did you?

Why? I think he was a worm. I just saw a story about this and posted it. I didn't realize it was banned. I don't have to be a fan of this scum bag to feel Israel has to make a seriouis peace with the Palistinians and that religion and old history nobody agrees on is a wasted exercise. Time to put the past behind and split the land into two states and if the Palestinians can't behave they lose their state. But they have to have a state first. That doesn't make me a fan of hitler or nazis or Arafat or Sharon. I could give a rats ass about all of this. We all live right now and none of us can change the past. So leave the past behind and find a way to coexist. Now I am sure you figure that makes me a nazi and so that would make you a moron.