Why is so much effort being spent defending a Nazi symbol?

[sarisataka]

192. Finally, perhaps some reflection

IMO the issue of the tattoo and the symbol are so intertwined that people are unable to separate them and believe they must defend both. They are two separate issues- a poorly chosen tattoo and a Nazi symbol.

The tattoos was chosen with little thought, represented something he says he was unaware of and has since been covered. Everything there is plausible and defensible.

The Totenkopf design of the SS was an integral part of their uniforms; look at any contemporary photos or watch any WW2 movie that has SS and you will see it. Perhaps you never noticed it before, you will now.

The issue is people who are defending the tattoo are leaning into revisionism. Pointing out various skull and crossbones designs have been used previously does not change the fact it was used by the Nazis. One, or several, or many people not recognizing it does not mean it wasn't used by the Nazis. Asserting it is not a Nazi symbol does not change the fact it was a Nazi symbol.

I believe it is being done on an emotional level out of a passionate desire to support a candidate not out of general maliciousness. Those defending the symbol are stepping over a line without realizing what, exactly, they have started to defend.

Defend the tattoo- not the symbol