Warning Issued by Jan Böhmermann to America Regarding Nazis and the AfD: 'Trouble Brewing' - Jan Böhmermann issues a warning to America regarding Nazis and the AfD, advising, "Sprinkle filth on the steam."
In a cheeky video for the "New York Times", satirist Jan Böhmermann takes on Germany's AfD party with an impassioned plea. Donning a dark blue suit and tie, just like in his satirical show "ZDF Magazin Royale", Böhmermann delivers a serious speech, despite the upbeat brass music playing in the background.
He kicks off the nine-minute video, recorded for the "New York Times" opinion section, by acknowledging that Germany has a knack for inventing Nazis alongside its extensive vocabulary. But now, with polls indicating the AfD could garner a fifth of the vote in the upcoming German federal election, the concern is growing.
Böhmermann introduces the party, focusing on its faction leader in the Thuringian state parliament, Björn Höcke, whom he terms "Hitleresque" - a French way of saying "slightly disconcerting". A brief clip of Höcke advocating for a "180-degree turn in the culture of remembrance" is shown.
The comedian then challenges the global audience, questioning if it's time to be worried about a Nazi resurgence in Germany. His answer is a straightforward "yes".
Jan Böhmermann Warns of the Emptiness of "Never Again"
Böhmermann doesn't shy away from addressing the AfD's honorary chairman, Alexander Gauland, who once said, "Hitler and the Nazis are just a bird shit in over 1,000 years of successful German history."
He also pays attention to AfD top candidate Alice Weidel's conversation with Elon Musk, in which she called Hitler a "communist". Similarly, Böhmermann highlights Elon Musk's gesture at US President Donald Trump's inauguration that eerily resembled a Hitler salute.
Böhmermann explains how Germans have grown so accustomed to saying "Never again" that it has become an empty phrase. The AfD, along with Elon Musk, are now capitalizing on this by saying and doing things that echo Nazi ideologies while simultaneously denying any Nazi association.
He wraps up his impassioned piece with a reference to Trump, saying "[they] just want Germany to be great again". And with that, he concludes, "And that's why now, in Germany, the shit is hitting the fan."
Underlying Context and Significance
Böhmermann's video for the "New York Times" is a satirical commentary on the rise of the AfD party in Germany and their potential influence, especially in relation to their proximity to Nazi ideology and recent endorsement by Elon Musk.
- AfD's Rise: With polls indicating that the AfD could receive around 20% of the vote, positioning it as the second-largest party in Germany, the video addresses concerns surrounding their presence in German politics.
- Elon Musk's Endorsement: The video is a response to Musk's endorsement of the AfD, which has stirred controversy due to Musk's alleged influence on the German election.
- Nazi Ideology: The comedian highlights historical references and current statements by AfD leaders, showing what he believes is a lack of historical awareness and gross resurgence of extremist rhetoric.
Böhmermann's video serves as a warning about the potential dangers of the AfD's rise and the importance of vigilance against extremist ideologies. By using humor and irony, he aims to engage a broader audience and spark critical thinking regarding the implications of the AfD's influence in German politics. The video can be seen as a counterpoint to Musk's endorsement and an attempt to educate international audiences about the complexity of German politics and the ongoing struggle against extremism in the country.
The satirical video by Jan Böhmermann for the 'New York Times' opinion section critiques the AfD party, with a focus on its faction leader Björn Höcke. Böhmermann labels Höcke as "Hitleresque", referring to his call for a "180-degree turn in the culture of remembrance." The comedian also remarks on Elon Musk's gesture at Donald Trump's inauguration, which resembled a Hitler salute, and Weidel's description of Hitler as a "communist." Böhmermann argues that germans have become complacent with saying "Never again," and the AfD is now exploiting this by echoing Nazi ideologies while denying any association.
