My friend Joseph who tattoos at Visual Orgasm in Singapore got me wondering… Is this like the equivalent of someone getting an Attila the Hun tattoo just because you know he’s a bad ass or something? I really wonder what the meaning is in the context of Singapore…
After all, people get plenty of evil characters from fiction tattooed on them because it appeals to them on some level, even though they’re not endorsing the evil actions or anything… Is this different somehow because it strikes a more real and current nerve? I don’t know. That said, I can say with 100% certainty that I would never personally get a Hitler tattoo!!!!
Comments
286 responses to “Hitler Portrait Tattoo”
Really I don’t see much difference between this and a tattoo of say, Charlie Manson. No Manson wasn’t responsible for Genocide but he was still a maniac and a murderer. If this was a manson tattoo I highly doubt it would get a fraction of the comments here. Also since we do not know the context of the tattoo it is unfair to pass judgement. History teaches us all about Hitler and his Nazi regime and his atrocities against many groups, we learn and remember so things like that may never come to pass again. Now to remember may not be the reason for this tattoo but until I do know the reason I reserve my judgement.
Really I don’t see much difference between this and a tattoo of say, Charlie Manson. No Manson wasn’t responsible for Genocide but he was still a maniac and a murderer. If this was a manson tattoo I highly doubt it would get a fraction of the comments here. Also since we do not know the context of the tattoo it is unfair to pass judgement. History teaches us all about Hitler and his Nazi regime and his atrocities against many groups, we learn and remember so things like that may never come to pass again. Now to remember may not be the reason for this tattoo but until I do know the reason I reserve my judgement.
Wow, and the hypocrites pour in.
I’ve seen so many people’s comments like “ew gross!” get completely slammed by this community. You’ll say “Who the hell are you to criticize his/her decision” or “pleasure si different for everyone yadda yadda yadda” But when something offends you guys/girls it’s OKAY to say what you want. (i.e. all beat that guy’s ass. et. al.)
I’m not endorsing Hitler in anyway, I think he was a horrible person. But if outsiders aren’t allowed to post their negative thoughts regarding mods without a backlash, then shouldn’t the rest of you bottle it up too? I mean, I understand a lot of you think this tattoo was in poor taste, but I think the majority of people out there in the world would say the same about any/all mods. (especailly the stuff we do and see on here lol)
Discuss.
Wow, and the hypocrites pour in.
I’ve seen so many people’s comments like “ew gross!” get completely slammed by this community. You’ll say “Who the hell are you to criticize his/her decision” or “pleasure si different for everyone yadda yadda yadda” But when something offends you guys/girls it’s OKAY to say what you want. (i.e. all beat that guy’s ass. et. al.)
I’m not endorsing Hitler in anyway, I think he was a horrible person. But if outsiders aren’t allowed to post their negative thoughts regarding mods without a backlash, then shouldn’t the rest of you bottle it up too? I mean, I understand a lot of you think this tattoo was in poor taste, but I think the majority of people out there in the world would say the same about any/all mods. (especailly the stuff we do and see on here lol)
Discuss.
Since this tattoo was done in Singapore, is it possible that the tattoo was inspired by Hong Kong Nazi chic spreading to that country?
Warning: the link goes to Little Green Footballs, a right-wing shithole.
Since this tattoo was done in Singapore, is it possible that the tattoo was inspired by Hong Kong Nazi chic spreading to that country?
Warning: the link goes to Little Green Footballs, a right-wing shithole.
did a portrait of hitler actually get compared to jesus and genital modification? clearly they didn’t get the tattoo because they liked his paintings, if you seek out a hateful tattoo, likely that is how you expect people to interpret it.
did a portrait of hitler actually get compared to jesus and genital modification? clearly they didn’t get the tattoo because they liked his paintings, if you seek out a hateful tattoo, likely that is how you expect people to interpret it.
i don’t see why people are getting so worked up about this tattoo. i think it’s wonderful, and i’m not a nazi. at least they are standing up for what they believe in, rather than caving into societies pressures which denote what is acceptable and what isn’t.
i don’t see why people are getting so worked up about this tattoo. i think it’s wonderful, and i’m not a nazi. at least they are standing up for what they believe in, rather than caving into societies pressures which denote what is acceptable and what isn’t.
sleeping – Maybe they’re a huge Volkswagen fan.
sleeping – Maybe they’re a huge Volkswagen fan.
I actually find hitler and people like him quite interesting.now,i wouldn’t take that interest so far as to get a tattoo of hitler but i’m not guy in the photo…it is a nice protrait tattoo though:/
I actually find hitler and people like him quite interesting.now,i wouldn’t take that interest so far as to get a tattoo of hitler but i’m not guy in the photo…it is a nice protrait tattoo though:/
I wonder what kind of reaction a George W portrait tattoo would receive…?
I wonder what kind of reaction a George W portrait tattoo would receive…?
i beat the guy with the G.B. tattoo up.
no, i’m just being an ass, lol.
i beat the guy with the G.B. tattoo up.
no, i’m just being an ass, lol.
“But honestly, hiding the symbols and history of fascism is the best way to have fascism RETURN.”
Ok, but this tattoo isn’t about teaching people history. If we are at the point where people are so far removed from the history that they can be blase about it and say “Oh yeah Hitler, nice work, nice tattoo” and commend this guy for being brave this suggests total indifference to the victims. In my opinion, INDIFFERENCE is best way to let fascism return. I’m not saying delete or hide fascist imagery from history, I’m asking why should I defend a Hitler tattoo? Because I defend freedom of speech and it’s his body and I’m a hypocrite if I don’t. Ok that’s true, I do defend freedom of speech and expression, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it or compliment the guy on his bold and brave gesture.
I don’t feel like a hypocrite. I’m not telling the guy he can’t have it, I’m telling the guy it’s a stupid tattoo. Just like he’s allowed his opinions, I’m allowed mine. I don’t see how his right to express himself negates mine and vice versa.
I get that some people like confrontational imagery, but this still really hurts people. It’s most confrontational to the people who suffered, to the people who have lost family. Why go there?
“But honestly, hiding the symbols and history of fascism is the best way to have fascism RETURN.”
Ok, but this tattoo isn’t about teaching people history. If we are at the point where people are so far removed from the history that they can be blase about it and say “Oh yeah Hitler, nice work, nice tattoo” and commend this guy for being brave this suggests total indifference to the victims. In my opinion, INDIFFERENCE is best way to let fascism return. I’m not saying delete or hide fascist imagery from history, I’m asking why should I defend a Hitler tattoo? Because I defend freedom of speech and it’s his body and I’m a hypocrite if I don’t. Ok that’s true, I do defend freedom of speech and expression, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it or compliment the guy on his bold and brave gesture.
I don’t feel like a hypocrite. I’m not telling the guy he can’t have it, I’m telling the guy it’s a stupid tattoo. Just like he’s allowed his opinions, I’m allowed mine. I don’t see how his right to express himself negates mine and vice versa.
I get that some people like confrontational imagery, but this still really hurts people. It’s most confrontational to the people who suffered, to the people who have lost family. Why go there?
You guys are all so negative. What about all the good things Hitler did?
You guys are all so negative. What about all the good things Hitler did?
I think the point that most commenters are missing (and Shannon keeps repeating over and over) is that it’s probably not an emotionally-loaded image for the Singaporean wearer as it is to most Westerners. And to defend myself about 40 comments ago, I am of Jewish descent (Jewish enough that I wouldn’t have stood a chance in Nazi Germany) and lost several family members during the Holocaust, but I am still self-aware enough to choose NOT to be hurt by hateful imagery or whatever. Having a big cry because there are anti-semites is exactly what anti-semites want. That being said, I’m honestly not terribly convinced the wearer of this tattoo is anti-semitic. 🙂
And how can anyone say that’s not a technically well-done portrait, no matter who the subject is?
I think the point that most commenters are missing (and Shannon keeps repeating over and over) is that it’s probably not an emotionally-loaded image for the Singaporean wearer as it is to most Westerners. And to defend myself about 40 comments ago, I am of Jewish descent (Jewish enough that I wouldn’t have stood a chance in Nazi Germany) and lost several family members during the Holocaust, but I am still self-aware enough to choose NOT to be hurt by hateful imagery or whatever. Having a big cry because there are anti-semites is exactly what anti-semites want. That being said, I’m honestly not terribly convinced the wearer of this tattoo is anti-semitic. 🙂
And how can anyone say that’s not a technically well-done portrait, no matter who the subject is?
At the end of the day…it’s just tattoo. Having Hitler’s face tattooed on you isn’t going to change history. It is not our place to judge someone based on what they choose to etch on their skin anyway. And although maybe not the nicest or best subject matter around, you have to respect the fact that you can’t dismiss a tattoo on wether it will offend people or not.
Personal tastes are indeed a funny thing, as I’d much rather my partner had a well done portrait of Hitler on him than the two naked women he has currently. Whereas the majority would think that as downright crazy!
At the end of the day…it’s just tattoo. Having Hitler’s face tattooed on you isn’t going to change history. It is not our place to judge someone based on what they choose to etch on their skin anyway. And although maybe not the nicest or best subject matter around, you have to respect the fact that you can’t dismiss a tattoo on wether it will offend people or not.
Personal tastes are indeed a funny thing, as I’d much rather my partner had a well done portrait of Hitler on him than the two naked women he has currently. Whereas the majority would think that as downright crazy!
All this technique talk is ridiculous, as if a well done portrait of hitler is somehow better because of the care that went into it.
All this technique talk is ridiculous, as if a well done portrait of hitler is somehow better because of the care that went into it.
Whether or not he understands the meaning, he is making a political statement. Ok, passing judgement on this guy’s character is wrong because it’s not based on anything more than this picture. Still, I can’t help but ask why he chose this? I’m making assumptions because I know some people sometimes chose their tattoos based on symbolic meaning and Hitler seems like a poor choice to me for a fun meaningless tattoo. Symbols can mean different things in different cultures, take the swastika for example, but Hitler’s face? There’s nothing really ambiguous about Hitler so I am confused by the subtext. I agree with Shannon, Reclaim the swastika. Great. Reclaim Hitler? No, not so much. And as for judging the merits of a tattoo, it’s art, subject matter does come into play. But I agree it’s his body his choice.
Whether or not he understands the meaning, he is making a political statement. Ok, passing judgement on this guy’s character is wrong because it’s not based on anything more than this picture. Still, I can’t help but ask why he chose this? I’m making assumptions because I know some people sometimes chose their tattoos based on symbolic meaning and Hitler seems like a poor choice to me for a fun meaningless tattoo. Symbols can mean different things in different cultures, take the swastika for example, but Hitler’s face? There’s nothing really ambiguous about Hitler so I am confused by the subtext. I agree with Shannon, Reclaim the swastika. Great. Reclaim Hitler? No, not so much. And as for judging the merits of a tattoo, it’s art, subject matter does come into play. But I agree it’s his body his choice.
The point raised earlier about Jesus tattoos is rather ridiculous. Sure, assholes have used his name to justify dreadful things, but he wasn’t directly involved in the attempt to exterminate minorities.
The point raised earlier about Jesus tattoos is rather ridiculous. Sure, assholes have used his name to justify dreadful things, but he wasn’t directly involved in the attempt to exterminate minorities.
just making a point, jesus and god were the focus of the ideology behind behind millions of murders, as hittler, while directly involved, was behind the nazi murders and ideology, and still is an ideological symbol to neo-nazi’s. so both couldon some level be found offensive. though yes, the hitler tattoo is more so offensive to more people and jesus tattoos are definatly out there way way in the back with the least offense. i’m not saying jesus is an evil killer, or that i support hitler(i don’t). i know it sounds a bit ridiculous, i just happen to be tired of all the christchenes in this area being ass holes in the name of jesus. so that kind of influenced my comparison.
just making a point, jesus and god were the focus of the ideology behind behind millions of murders, as hittler, while directly involved, was behind the nazi murders and ideology, and still is an ideological symbol to neo-nazi’s. so both couldon some level be found offensive. though yes, the hitler tattoo is more so offensive to more people and jesus tattoos are definatly out there way way in the back with the least offense. i’m not saying jesus is an evil killer, or that i support hitler(i don’t). i know it sounds a bit ridiculous, i just happen to be tired of all the christchenes in this area being ass holes in the name of jesus. so that kind of influenced my comparison.
what about the reclamation of the swastika? i’m all for that. it’s a beautiful symbol that has been bastardized by historical evil, and it gives me satisfaction to see a “peace swastika” on someone.
how to differentiate, though?
what about the reclamation of the swastika? i’m all for that. it’s a beautiful symbol that has been bastardized by historical evil, and it gives me satisfaction to see a “peace swastika” on someone.
how to differentiate, though?
This Hitler this for me very deny for my taste
This Hitler this for me very deny for my taste
This Hitler this for me very deny for my taste
This Hitler this for me very deny for my taste
[irony]I think Hitler himself would find a nice solution for the discussion above, the problem of man with Hitler’s tattoo. He’d just kill that guy for the sake of purity of white race.[/irony]
I’m wondering if tattoo’s owner is aware of this…
[irony]I think Hitler himself would find a nice solution for the discussion above, the problem of man with Hitler’s tattoo. He’d just kill that guy for the sake of purity of white race.[/irony]
I’m wondering if tattoo’s owner is aware of this…
Above, someone commented, “In Mongolia Genghis Khan is now considered a sort of national hero, a symbol of the countries rich history and military brilliance.” In Mongolia, people like Hitler too, because they see him as a great conquerer in the tradition of Genchis Khan. One guy told us how he really wanted to go to Germany to see the tomb of Hitler, and we tried to explain that Hitler was not a national hero there.
Above, someone commented, “In Mongolia Genghis Khan is now considered a sort of national hero, a symbol of the countries rich history and military brilliance.” In Mongolia, people like Hitler too, because they see him as a great conquerer in the tradition of Genchis Khan. One guy told us how he really wanted to go to Germany to see the tomb of Hitler, and we tried to explain that Hitler was not a national hero there.
Thanks, Sandy — I think you’ve explained why I found this tattoo interesting (and thus posted it) very well. I find it fascinating how history is interpretted radically differently from different viewpoints.
Thanks, Sandy — I think you’ve explained why I found this tattoo interesting (and thus posted it) very well. I find it fascinating how history is interpretted radically differently from different viewpoints.
I can only imagine that having a tattoo of Hitler must fill a weakness, a need for revenge on society, because someone hurt or molested you.
I can only imagine that having a tattoo of Hitler must fill a weakness, a need for revenge on society, because someone hurt or molested you.
personally i think its a good tattoo cause everybody has diff believes this guy thinks hitler was a good man that thats wat he believes in and im with him i think hitler was a good man i think i might get one too.
personally i think its a good tattoo cause everybody has diff believes this guy thinks hitler was a good man that thats wat he believes in and im with him i think hitler was a good man i think i might get one too.