About three weeks ago, Jon Stewart did a bit on how everyone brings up the Hitler/Nazi comparison during political discussions about the war and our current political state. After showing clip after clip of people on both sides dealing the Hitler Card, Jon Stewart looked directly into the camera and asked everyone to stop.
Not only does it belittle the argument and you lose instantly, but it belittles Hitler, too. Just stop.
Toby and I laughed. A lot.
Since then, I’ve become quite sensitive to all the Hitler references. People on the left use it when referring to the conservative, right-wing religious fanatics. People on the right are using it to descibe the “hubris” of Demorcrats. Michael Moore fans have used it to describe Bush. And people who hate Michael Moore and his fans use it to describe Michael Moore and his fans.
THE STRATEGIC ARGUER (or SA):
I’d like to discuss the three times I can think of that the Hitler Card is pulled. I see it happen during discussions online and off line when people are standing at the entrance of a place called “Facts” and they can’t get in (SA1). Another time I have seen this card be used is when someone becomes flustered and/or frustrated after being thrown too many facts. It’s sort of like the juggling act of debate, include the clown but remove the colorful pins (SA2). Lastly, it could be that the said arguer never really had a firm grasp on any facts in the first place but had a firm grasp on the way they “feel” about something and right as he or she realizes they are knee deep in “I don’t know what the fuck” they go AHA!! and pull out the Hitler Card (SA3).
THE SENSITIVE SCRAPPER (or SS):
Sometimes people pull out the Hitler Card when they want to get personal or feel that the discussion has become personal. I have seen people pull out the Hitler Card when they feel that someone else has removed a self-proclaimed right from them (SS1). It also seems that people bring out Hitler when someone – anyone – wants to socialize anything at all (SS2). And lastly, the card is pulled out to describe one who they might consider racist (SS3).
Years ago, I had the fortunate experience of witnessing the impeachment attempt on Clinton. We walked among the picketers and their forest of signs created to let everyone know what side they’re on because there are no colors for representation. There are no logos one can wear to say “This is silly, I don’t agree.” So we head to the nearest five-and-dime and purchase a big white poster board and a ruler and we write something on it.
I CAN USE A SHARPIE!
During the impeachment, was saw a lot of people disagree with what someone else wrote on their sign, and sometimes they would say something to them. For example, we witnessed one confrontation between two people outside the Capitol.
You’re a fucking nazi!
I had no idea who was the Nazi by just looking at them. There was no visible “flare”. So I checked the cue cards for clues. The guy who used the term “Nazi” had a sign that read:
THIS IS A WASTE OF OUR TAX DOLLARS!!!
Pro-Clinton.
ORAL SEX IS A SIN!
Anti-Clinton.
Republican man who hates Clinton = Nazi. Democrat who used Hitler Card = (SS1)
It happens all the time. You’re a Nazi. He’s like Hitler. And the best part is the Hitler Card can be used by either side during any argument. Nothing is too small. Nothing is too big. The other night, Toby Joe and I watched the latest episode of Queer as Folk on Show Time. It was an episode where the gents and the ladies are fighting against Proposition 14, which is meant to stop gay couples from marrying and/or having any same sex marriage rights. In the midst of all of this, Michael, is trying to calm down the Lesbian gal (I can’t remember her name) he’s telling her that she’s overreacting that it’s not that bad. Finally, she says, “This is like Nazi Germany. Next thing you know we’ll end up in concentration camps.” On Queer as Folk? Come on, now. (She used the card fighting as an SA1.)
For the record, when fighting as an SA, I am usually a SA 1. Which pretty much means that should you disagree with me at any point during this post and call me out on it, I will become flustered and most likely call you a Nazi. Similarly, while fighting as an SS, I am usually an SS1 because, for me, everything is personal which means I am the world’s worst arguer. There have been times during my arguing tenure where I become an SS2 but only if said socialization has to do with organized religion and why I should believe.
Clearly, this post has eaten itself.
Mihow 
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