Rhizome supports the creation, presentation, and preservation of contemporary art that uses new technologies in significant ways. Read more about us.

monochrom: Der Streichelnazi

Posted by johannes grenzfurthner on July 2, 2008 9:10 am

In 1938 Austria joined the Third Reich. Millions cheered Hitler and in the referendum 99.75% said 'yes' to 'Greater Germany'. But after World War II, many Austrians sought comfort in the idea of Austria as "the Nazis' first victim". Factions of Austrian society tried for a long time to advance the view that it was only annexation at the point of a bayonet(te).
But it's time to embrace history.
It's time to remember the feel-good days of 1938.
It's time to let our real feelings out!
It's time to hug the Nazi, Austria!
Finally!

http://www.monochrom.at/streichelnazi/
http://tv.boingboing.net/2008/07/02/monochrom-nazi-petti.html

3 Comments

Comment by Dave Miller
July 2, 2008 10:05 am
Not sure if I get it really - the Austrians learn to show their love in public for Nazis again, as they have been denying themselves this since the war? I know it's only a joke but sorry I don't think it works. Is this really letting the real feelings out? I doubt it, I would think that people have moved on by now. Would it be more fun if the Nazis petted the Austrians, maybe this is more what what people want, and maybe closer to what happened?
 
July 2, 2008 10:57 am
Trust me... Austria, this tiny little postnazistic democracy, still has lots of stuff to settle...

Cheers.
Johannes
 
Comment by Scott Blake
July 3, 2008 5:51 pm
Austria has some strict anti-Nazi laws. Wearing a swastika arm band in Vienna is 'verboten'. Kudos on healing the wound.
 

Login

You must login with your Rhizome.org user account to post.

Register here

Posting to Rhizome

Posting to Rhizome has changed, and we no longer support posts by email. If you want to post to Rhizome, please follow the appropriate link below.

Post Formatting Guide

Text Archives

Discussions, reviews, interviews, and announcements posted to Rhizome since 1996, have been archived in our Discuss section. Members may search this valuable, historical resource on new media art with our advanced search tool.