Sunday, 20 July 2014


As a matter of fact, I myself, have never come across the term 'Hitlerphilia' in my life. But, I have come across many people who glorify Hitler and I have observed that lately the number of such people has increased alarmingly.
'Hitlerphilia', as horrific as it may appear to some readers but it is a fitting word to represent a dangerous phenomenon that is on the rise these days. Yes, many people are falling under the spell of a cult that was believed to be dead. Before the events of WW2, Hitler was not a universally despicable man. In fact, contrary to that he was quite popular amongst Germans and even an inspiration to many others.
Here, I am not concerned with the rise and fall of Hitler; I am here to discuss why Neo-Nazism has found new recruits in seemingly unlikeliest of places.




Causes of Hitler's rising popularity

1) Hitler is regarded as a hero by many people from those parts of the world that were once colonies of the Western Hegemonic Powers. They consider him a hero who fell fighting against the Imperialist forces like the British Empire and the French Empire. They think that if it was not for Hitler's war against their colonial masters, they would still be ruled by foreigners. Such people need to study history more carefully. Was Hitler liberating the nations that he directly came into contact with ? We should remember the fate of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Greece etc.
The colonies would have eventually achieved their independence even without WW2. But, it is true that the war acted as a catalyst in that regard.Let us take the example of India, if one studies the constitutional developments within that country prior to WW2, one would come to the conclusion that the British were gradually transferring power to the Indians. Minto-Morley Reforms(1909), Montageau-Chelmsford Reforms(1919), Constitution of India(1935), Congress Ministries(1937-39), clarify this point.The colonies would have eventually achieved their independence even without WW2. But, it is true that the war acted as a catalyst in that regard.Let us take the example of India, if one studies the constitutional developments within that country prior to WW2, one would come to the conclusion that the British were gradually transferring power to the Indians. Minto-Morley Reforms(1909), Montageau-Chelmsford Reforms(1919), Constitution of India(1935), Congress Ministries(1937-39), clarify this point.


2) Another myth that attracts many people to the cause of neo-nazis is that Hitler was a crusading knight charging against the spectre of Zionism. The truth is that Hitler massacred countless Jews and most of them were innocent of the propaganda lodged against them. He was a racist and wanted to wipe out non-Aryans from German soil. He also persecuted Communists, handicapped Germans and all those who were not in line with his so-called vision of future.

3) Another reason for surge in Hitler's popularity these days is the resurgence of Israeli-Palestinian Issue. It is a pity that whenever this issue sparks up many look up to Hitler. Praising Hitler for his hatred of Jews is a reactionary state of mind. When Israeli Army kills innocent civilians it must be condemned but the hatred of one's enemy should never cloud a person's judgement into praising an evil. Had Hitler come into contact with Muslims, he might have done the worst, considering his obsession with Aryanism. We must condemn all those who commit atrocities and we must do so irrespective of nationalities.

4) Racism, Xenophobia, Fascism and Homophobia have come to be a part and parcel of Nazi doctrines. These elements are being propagated by Neo-Nazis throughout the world. Other political groups with inclination towards these doctrines are thus fascinated by Nazism. Some European and Latin American countries have formulated laws to keep a check on the activities of Pro-Nazi groups.


Consequences


1) Today, more than ever before, the world needs peace and mutual understanding between rival camps. Praising Hitler for his crimes and seeking a role model in him will lead to estrangement between ideologically opposing groups.

2) The world will unite against any group or nation that tries to impose its extremist doctrines upon others. In the 21st Century, International Law has become a rather stable force in the world than it was at the time of WW2. Thus any group with Pro-Hitler feelings will only bring more harm than good to its cause.

3) At personal level, one's standing, in the eyes of any person who holds well balanced views of historical events, will suffer a setback. A person with well developed intellect rarely falls for slogans or hero worship, especially if the concerned personality is a tyrant.


Conclusion
A leader is remembered by the legacy he leaves behind. The Treaty of Versailles(1919) and harsh treatment of Germany by the victors of WW1 caused much resentment amongst the Germans. The situation was further aggravated by the Economic meltdown of the 1930s. These were the main reasons for rise of Nazism. But, the decisive question is that did Hitler leave behind a better Germany? The answer is obvious. His legacy was a divided Germany which had lost all its prestige in eyes of International community. The majority of Germans denounce him even today. But, unfortunately there are others who have embraced his ideology and cult of personality.
We need to understand and remember the lessons of history. Violence should be countered by reason and education to leave the world a better place for posterity.
                                                                                                Peace !