Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does...

Posted by jamesgarvin (A) on March 30, 2005 at 08:27:39

In Reply to: Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... posted by patrickU on March 30, 2005 at 07:21:17:

I think that there is some confusion between humanizing Hitler and educating people about Hitler. Hitler had a life outside of the public spectacle. I, for one, want to see what he was like when he was not giving the speeches, and not giving the orders to exterminate Jews, Homosexuals, Gypsies, etc. That is part of the education process. We ridicule as being closeminded and afraid of the truth those who do not want to see depictions of Christ in any way other than doing the greats things that he was supposed to do. I think that the same applies here.

Acknowledging that Hitler liked dogs, women, cleaniless, music, etc. provides us a window into how a madman can have two personalities, and that one does not necessarily influence the other. There is a good lesson here. A madman can be any shape. Looking for a madman, or someone with those tendencies, requires more than looking for someone who advertises as such. It can be the meek guy in the corner. Suggesting that there is something dangerous about "humanizing" Hitler is wrong.

I saw the documentary with Hitler's secretary, the name of which I do not recall. I found it to be very illustrating. I do not have access to German television, and so have not been able to watch the hours of tape over those airwaves. So, to us gringos, that material is fresh and largely unseen.

Have you seen "Max", with John Cusack, who plays an art dealer that befriends a young Hitler, who had aspirations of being an artist. That film also "humanized" Hitler. The filmmakers make the point that had Hitler's art been taken more seriously, maybe he would not have found his outlet in racial politics. Who knows? But it is certainly something to think about, and does not diminish what Hitler became. Very good film.

This dialog reminds me of Mel Brooks depictions of Hitler. I remember seeing an interview where he explained that members of his family had been exterminated by Hitler. He was in the United States military stationed in Europe at that time. He recalled his frustration at not being able to kill Hitler. After the war, he decided that the only way for him to get back at Hitler was to make the world laugh at him. So he decided that when he made movies, he would use Hitler as the butt of his jokes. You may or may not agree with Brooks. But he certainly did not reduce Hitler's reputation as being a madman. Rather, I think he may have contributed to the view that Hitler was rather pathetic.

Knowledge is a good thing. Even when it does not comport with our world views, and with our prejudices.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Bruno Ganz as Hitler in "Downfall". Terrific!! - Road Warrior 13:09:22 03/28/05 (33)

Re: Fake fake fake... - patrickU 07:48:04 03/29/05 (32)

Patrick Patrick Patrick - Road Warrior 17:14:08 03/29/05 (16)

Re: Patrick Patrick Patrick - patrickU 00:46:44 03/30/05 (14)

Ok, sorry you took offense at my question, I - tinear 05:02:32 03/30/05 (13)

Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - patrickU 07:21:17 03/30/05 (12)

We agree Patrick, on two things at least - Road Warrior 08:37:56 03/30/05 (3)

Re: We agree Patrick, on two things at least - patrickU 23:58:14 03/30/05 (0)

Re: We agree Patrick, on two things at least - patrickU 09:01:18 03/30/05 (1)

Three * - Road Warrior 09:38:46 03/30/05 (0)

Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - jamesgarvin 08:27:39 03/30/05 (1)

Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - patrickU 00:08:47 03/31/05 (0)

"Tout comprendre, c'est tout perdonner"... yes, I see what makes you angry about this film. But... - orejones 07:46:16 03/30/05 (5)

Re: "Tout comprendre, c'est tout perdonner"... yes, I see what makes you angry about this film. But... - patrickU 09:55:09 03/30/05 (4)

"Would Mr. Bush and AH made a nice couple?" - Like a monkey & an organ-grinder... - Audiophilander 15:32:17 03/30/05 (0)

Of course I would never condone what that bastard did!! I was quoting just... - orejones 11:01:50 03/30/05 (2)

Re: Of course I would never condone what that bastard did!! I was quoting just... - patrickU 23:44:19 03/30/05 (1)

Alec G. did not make a good Hitler (too Shakespearian and elegant) - grinagog 21:20:58 03/31/05 (0)

Remember Patrick is FRENCH. Even though AH is the Patron Saint of French Occupation he still doesn't like him. * - mr grits 19:22:44 03/29/05 (0)

what`s the German term for "elitist snob" ?..........* - jaiva 16:18:06 03/29/05 (6)

Ubersnobben * - mr grits 19:20:22 03/29/05 (1)

Re: Ubersnobben * / Ah-ha! - patrickU 00:48:40 03/30/05 (0)

Yes Patrick....we need to know what to call this "jaiva" poseur. (nt - dennzio 18:19:55 03/29/05 (3)

Re:" Ein MÃ¶chte gern- Linker "....nt - patrickU 01:32:37 03/30/05 (0)

LOL! the thanks I get for standing up for you American tourists!....* - jaiva 18:53:18 03/29/05 (1)

Re: American, only because this apply... - patrickU 00:50:59 03/30/05 (0)

How would YOU know what are or are not the facts, were you in the bunker with der Fuhrer? - Audiophilander 09:59:13 03/29/05 (3)

Re: Beat it... - patrickU 10:16:39 03/29/05 (2)

You completely missed, or rather obliterated the point: - Audiophilander 11:07:12 03/29/05 (1)

Re: Saint Audiophilander.... - patrickU 01:13:31 03/30/05 (0)

Sounds like you're quoting a review and that - tinear 09:49:49 03/29/05 (3)

Re: Yes I am quoting... - patrickU 10:12:37 03/29/05 (2)

Roll with the punches, Patrick - grinagog 16:01:47 03/29/05 (1)

Re: Roll with the punches, Patrick - patrickU 01:07:26 03/30/05 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - jamesgarvin 08:27:39 03/30/05 (1)

Re: You bet, when Audiophilander does... - patrickU 00:08:47 03/31/05 (0)

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