by Jonathan David Morris
A couple of months ago, I wore a fake Hitler mustache under my nose at a large social gathering. I learned two things that afternoon. One, that I actually look pretty good in a Hitler mustache. And two, that most people find Hitler refreshingly funny but those who dont tend to dampen the mood.
For 30 minutes, I walked around, Sieg Heil-ing perfect strangers without incident. But the moment I ran into someone who failed to see the humor, the joke was over. Rather than spouting off, this guy just decided to guilt me. He gave me the look that said everything he was thinking: Hitler killed millions. You find that amusing?
I wasnt endorsing Hitler, his beliefs, or his crimes in any capacity. I wasnt making fun of Holocaust victims. I wasnt even making a statement.
I was just wearing a fake Hitler mustache.
But the way he looked at me, you wouldntve known the difference. It was impossible to keep the joke going at that point. You wouldve thought he was looking at the Fuhrer himself.
I think most people would agree what I did at that large social gathering was harmless. On the other hand, most people would also agree Adolf Hitler wasnt a very good person. Under his guidance, Nazi Germany invaded sovereign countries, started the bloodiest war ever, and committed horrific acts of genocide. For this reason, the man isnt simply despised in this day and age. He has come to embody the very concept of evil.
This is why people often refer to someone they dont like as the Hitler of [insert whatever theyre the Hitler of]such as Mel Gibson, who is the Hitler of Hollywood actors who deliver anti-Jew speeches when they get pulled over for drunk driving.
Its also why the name Adolf is no longer popular.
But while its easy to see why no one wants to be Hitler, it amazes me how some people react to Hitler humor. Im not saying people should laugh at him as a matter of principle. My argument isnt: Hitler was awful. Therefore, lets reduce him with humor. Nor is it: Hitler used censorship. Therefore, lets speak freely. My point is that Hitlers bad deeds and disagreeable personality should have nothing to do with whether we find him amusing. I mean, just look at him. Look how intense he was. Look how seriously he took himself. Anyone who makes faces like that is a comedy goldmine.
If you shared a cubicle wall with this guy, every day would be an adventure in funny. He wouldnt be able to pick up the phone or fill his coffee mug without inspiring snickers and not-so-playful impersonations. I know because I have a long and colorful history of ruthlessly making fun of coworkers.
Deep down, I think most people recognize Hitlers unintentionally funny nature. And deep down, I think most people want to appreciate it. Some people just refuse to admit it, though, because they feel like theyre betraying the millions he murderedor, worse, endorsing the fact that he murdered them.
I learned this the hard wayor maybe it was actually the easy waywhen I wore a Hitler mustache to a large social gathering. Englands Prince Harry learned it when he wore a swastika armband to a costume party last year. I was reminded of both of these incidents when I discovered a website called catsthatlooklikehitler.com recently. You wouldnt think theres much to hate about felines with black patches of fur below their noses. Yet stroll through the sites gallery of so-called Kitlers and youll soon learn some people do hate the concept. Theres even a page called We Hate Kitlerswhich, fittingly, features letters from people who hate the website. Some are so poorly written that its hard to believe theyre authentic. But even if we said for the sake of argument that they arent, I still wouldnt doubt there are people who, as one letter writer put it, think the site is just trying to make hitler and natzism look cute.
Even if that were true, what difference would it make? I understand those who ignore history are supposedly doomed to repeat it. But historically speaking, lampooning Hitler didnt cause Hitler. Hitler caused Hitler. Ignorance, hatred, and a poor German economy caused Hitler. But making fun of the Fuhrer had nothing to do with it. Hitler humor in no way, shape, or form caused the Holocaust.
You dont have to find Hitler funny if you dont want to. Im not the kind of guy who thinks we need to laugh at evil in order to overcome it. Nor am I the kind of guy who thinks all the world needs is a little more love and a little more laughter. I find that entire concept dumb. But the Nazis happened 70 years ago already. Maybe it isnt time to get over them, but well, its time to get over them. History happens. Then it keeps moving. Being solemn about it decades later only makes us look like we take ourselves as seriously as Hitler did.
You can disagree with me if you want to. Thats fine. Its your right.
To me, that just makes you the Hitler of comedy, though. And take it from me: You dont want to be Hitler.
Jonathan David Morris is a political writer -- and sometimes satirist -- based in Pennsylvania. A strong believer in small government, JDM often takes aim at oppressive taxes, entitlements, and laws, writing about incompetence at the highest levels of culture and government. Catch his weekly ramblings at readjdm.com.