By I guess Korea just loves it Nazis:
Apparently, netizens are WWII insignia experts. There’s been a lot of hoot and holler for Girls Generation’s new “marine girl” look, but it’s not all male gawking and hairstyle compliments. The girls are currently getting a lot of flack for their insensitive use of imagery that conjures up Nazi and Kamikaze insignia.
You can read more about this over at Pop Seoul!
She doesn’t look as hot as Park Jin-hee is a SS uniform. They would both look great though in one of Korea’s Hitler bars.
9:29 pm on June 28th, 2009 1
The people who promote this stuff seem clueless about the damage they are doing to Korea’s image. It’s much worse than trying to persuade westerners to eat dogs. How much more embarrassing can it get?
11:01 pm on June 28th, 2009 2
You're a day late and a dollar short. The album cover has already gotten a makeover. No Nazi insignia or Japanese fighter planes on the new version.
5:24 am on June 29th, 2009 3
I'm thinking if we want to complain about symbols that have caused great death and needless suffering for a sketchy ideological cause, we can find better examples than a silly swastika.
The currently used Chinese flag has had several times more people die under its banner than a swastika. Boycott Jackie Chan!
Uh-oh.
What about the Christian cross? Considering the number of people who have been abused and murdered under that symbol, we should all be greatly offended when it is seen in public… especially considering that the cross is ACTUALLY AN INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE… as opposed to the swastika which has rather benevolent roots. What were they thinking?
A generation from now, the Nazi swastika will move closer to the same category as pirate flags, etc… evil symbols that have lost much of their meaning.
In the end, symbols are less of a problem than intentions.
If these girls are promoting the superiority of the great Aryan Master Race, than we have an issue… (other than their inability to look in a mirror and see their grossly impure sub-human bloodline.)
If these girls are simply making some kind of fashion statement or seeking attention (it works!) then what is all the fuss about. Is there nothing more important to do to create peace and harmony in the world than bitch about stupid fashion and Hitler bars?
Get a job, people.
8:09 am on June 29th, 2009 4
6,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Jews died
8:35 pm on June 29th, 2009 5
It goes back to the issue of perception. How will other nations/people view Korea? The atrocities the Nazis committed are still fresh in the minds of many. It was only 64 years ago that the Nazis threw the world into a war that cost 50,000,000 to 70,000,000 lives. The Russians alone suffered some 23,000,000 dead. I do not see other nations toting Nazi symbols. Comparing the Nazis to pirates, ‘would be’ Christians, and Chinese communist seems like a stretch. Suffice it to say, dressing up one’s models or entertainers with Nazi images does nothing to enhance a nations image, especially amongst the victims and families who suffered at the hands of the 1933-1945 German regime.
10:40 pm on June 29th, 2009 6
My perception of South Korea will not change because a model is wearing the insignia of the German Army. Although the symbol contains the swastika, it is not the emblem of the Nazi Party, it simply represents the German Army. Congratulations to the Jews who have created such a misconceived perception people are not smart enough nor do they care to do their own homework to realize any difference. It would actually take less than a minute of research to understand the badge represents the German Army during WWII and not Nazis.
Ever hear of the Korean Fan Death?
Ignorance is frustrating
10:54 pm on June 29th, 2009 7
Lemmy, the German army was under the control of the Nazi Party and directly contributed to and promoted the cause of the Nazis. Your attempt to differentiate between the two seems meaningless to me. This isn’t about the Jews; although, they suffered much at the hands of both the Nazis and their instrument THE GERMAN ARMY of 1939-1945.
11:12 pm on June 29th, 2009 8
"How will other nations/people view Korea?"
I didn't think of that. The massive Western fan base of Girl's Generation must be horrified and, at this moment, preparing a campaign to bring attention to the hidden Nazi within every Korean.
"I do not see other nations toting Nazi symbols."
That is because manufactured scandal such as this seldom leaves the national boarders and makes international news. Don't mistake being uninformed for reality.
11:29 pm on June 29th, 2009 9
I do not see other nations toting Nazi symbols.
“That is because manufactured scandal such as this seldom leaves the national boarders and makes international news.”
Good point, Jafo.
11:33 pm on June 29th, 2009 10
In Seoul,
The shitty spam filter won't allow any links but you can Google this all very easily.
Japan, like Korea, doesn't have the same taboo feeling about Nazi stuff so maybe this isn't the best example.
Google Images: "japan nazi wrestling"
And then, Thailand has the old mobile phone with default Nazi symbolism… but it's still an Asian country.
Goolge Images: "thailand nazi cellphone"
The Olympics wouldn't support Nazi symbolism, would they? Ooops.
Google: "olympic torch goebbels"
How about Walmart selling SS Death Head T-shirts? My God! What will people think of America.
Google: "walmart ss shirts"
And, if you are soooooo worried about symbolism, take a look at the fasces (the bundle of sticks with an axe head) on this Nazi stamp.
Google: "nazi stamp fasces" – look for the reddish one.
Then take a look at the EXACT SAME SYMBOL on the wall of the United States House of Representatives.
Google: "house of representatives fasces"
Shocking, huh? I guess a couple of girls wearing a Nazi-style pin (there was actually no swastika) isn't such a big deal after all… except to the uneducated and those looking for offense.
StFUaGBtW, people.
12:01 am on June 30th, 2009 11
Chickenhead, if I understand you correctly, many other places/people around the world promote this stuff. This may be, but it’s a sad commentary on those who encourage it.
I take it the StFUaGBtw was meant for me since I am the only one to criticize this.
12:03 am on June 30th, 2009 12
I think In Seoul is right.
It’s a matter of perception.
Westerner thinks that the Swastika is very offensive but Asians no.
Asians think that the Japan’s rising sun flag is the equivalent to Swastika in Asia (so very offensive), but westerner no, and the Japanese navy still uses the rising sun flag in their ships.
Anyway, it’s time for both sides learn about each other’s perception and respect it to avoid unintentional inconvenience.
1:00 am on June 30th, 2009 13
In Seoul,
"I take it the StFUaGBtw was meant for me since I am the only one to criticize this. "
Naw… that's why it said "people" after that… meaning everyone who slobbered on themselves criticizing Korea for the actions of some artsy-fartsy band promoter.
"Suffice it to say, dressing up one’s models or entertainers with Nazi images does nothing to enhance a nations image, especially amongst the victims and families who suffered at the hands of the 1933-1945 German regime."
I wasn't aware that this was Girl's Generation target demographic… but…
"Chickenhead, if I understand you correctly, many other places/people around the world promote this stuff. This may be, but it’s a sad commentary on those who encourage it."
I'm not sure you paid much attention to what I posted or that you bothered to Google.
What I said, in response to "I do not see other nations toting Nazi symbols", was that there is LOTS of Nazi symbolism in current use today by companies, organizations and governments… yet all the outrage is saved for some unaware teenage girls and their probably equally unaware handlers.
The President of the United States gives the State of the Union address every year in front of two symbols that, like the swastika, were adopted by the Nazis (and other fascist parties) to represent their ideology.
Where is the outrage?
Somehow Dr. Yu credited you with the point I made long ago… something is offensive to everybody.
If people spent less time looking for offense, especially in far-removed symbolism devoid of intent, the world would be a better place.
Actions and intentions are important to observe, analyze and loudly complain about if they are incorrect. Manufactured hype over perceived symbolism all-too-frequently detracts from real issues.
In this case, it's a girl band. They aren't going to be making lamp shades out of Jew skin no matter how many pins their handlers put on them.
As Dr. Yu pointed out, those who are complaining about Hitler bars and girl bands, are unaware that these things don't have the same meanings in Asia…
…and complaining about them with a Western perspective just makes one look narrow-minded and un-worldly.
And it makes American Indians look amazingly intelligent that they aren't expressing outrage at all the cowboy bars.
1:13 am on June 30th, 2009 14
Oh, I see; I am unintelligent because of my criticism of the Nazi/World War II German army symbolism in Korean marketing. So much for expressing one’s dim-witted opinion.
1:23 am on June 30th, 2009 15
(That's actually an SS insignia she's wearing, not army.)
1:24 am on June 30th, 2009 16
That's called ignorance.
1:30 am on June 30th, 2009 17
Knick- your simply wrong
1:30 am on June 30th, 2009 18
Strike that. The image shows both the army and the SS logos. I was referring to thte close-up.
1:34 am on June 30th, 2009 19
In Seoul, the German Army was under control of the Reichstag the Nazis are a political party like the Republicans or Democrats. I can tell you this, you have never studied the German Army during WWII because a 5th grader can tell the difference.
Please study history, its there for a reason don't just take someone's word – that will only get you a degree in stupidity.
1:36 am on June 30th, 2009 20
You're just embarrassing yourself
2:29 am on June 30th, 2009 21
"Oh, I see; I am unintelligent because of my criticism of the Nazi/World War II German army symbolism in Korean marketing."
Not at all. You are simply making a mountain out of a molehill. Rabid criticism can be given… but to ignore history, cultural differences and the possibility that your country/culture is doing the same thing (only worse) gives a poor appearance.
Your original post…
"The people who promote this stuff seem clueless about the damage they are doing to Korea’s image."
Clueless… maybe. Damage… probably none… except to professional whiners. Is somebody not going to buy that Samsung TV because a Korean girl band displayed a Nazi-style symbol? Specifically, what damage are you referring to?
"It’s much worse than trying to persuade westerners to eat dogs."
I was not aware Korea had a "Dog, the other dark meat" campaign.
"How much more embarrassing can it get?"
This is what started the entire thing. It ISN'T EMBARRASSING!
Asians seem to perceive Nazi symbolism about as deeply as most Americans perceive the meaning of their often-incorrect Chinese character tattoos… or the highly offensive nature of a Che Guevara shirt… or the original meaning of a cross… or the fact that the Alfa Romeo logo has a giant crowned snake eating a baby.
Once again, if this is embarrassing, what is your take on the Nazi symbolism in congress?
8:22 pm on June 30th, 2009 22
Lemmy, I’m not going to get into a mean spirited dialogue with you. I have nothing more I wish to say on this topic. By the way, I am not Jewish.
4:31 pm on August 6th, 2010 23
Sometimes, when a man is wrong, he just has to bow his head and admit it.
I guess there ARE real Nazis in Asia.
Mongolian: The Other Master Race
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/02/mongo…
7:41 pm on February 11th, 2011 24
I also read a post on this ROK website about 2 hitler bars in Korea that contain symbols and images of the third reich. This goes to show that Koreans supporting the displays of these images are ignorant to history because of their ethnocentric upbringing through an education system that teaches them nothing but their own history. Koreans are the worst when it comes to the lack of intercultural education. That is why most Koreans and other Asians wear the swastika without thinking. This is a result of ethnocentricism that causes ignorance and racism. That is why Koreans are amongst the most racist people in Asia. If I ever have a Nazi flag in my hand, I will rip it or burn it in front of any Asian persons. If any Asian person (Chinese, Korean, Thai, or Japanese etc.) takes offense to me ripping up the Nazi flag, I will spit in their eyes.
11:21 pm on February 11th, 2011 25
Koreans like Germans a way lot more than the supremely arrogant English speaking foreigners in Korea. Koreans find Germans cool, unlike the English speaking native population who are in Korea to prove that they are superior.
12:06 am on February 12th, 2011 26
#25 But the reverse is not true, I can assure you.
Anyway, I do Not See the problem here.
12:07 am on February 12th, 2011 27
Tom,
That's because the Germans learned where they stand on the Hierarchy of Superior sometime in the mid 40s.
Also, Germans are a lot of good things… but I'm not sure "cool" is one of them.
Apart from a too-serious-to-be-cool attitudes, fat men in leather shorts listening to oom-pah music and the continued popularity of David Hasselhoff come to mind.
12:29 am on February 12th, 2011 28
Nevertheless, Koreans admire Germany a lot more – unlike the bankrupt America and England where they think they are emperors who deserve to be treated like gods because they speak English.
12:38 am on February 12th, 2011 29
Tom, if you think that Koreans are tired of English speaking people in their country, why do South Korean employers need Native English teachers so badly every year? Why don't the South Koreans even bother to kick out the US soldiers so they can be free of American imperialism? If you think Koreans are so bothered with the so-called English arrogance, perhaps you should support North Korea. Not to mention they even have German cars up there. Yes I agree that the American system is bankrupt, so my advice to you is that if you are tired of the Americans and their English language arrogance, get the US military troops out of Korea. By the way I am Canadian.
7:14 am on February 12th, 2011 30
A symbol in itself is just that – a symbol. Especially if it has multiple meanings, multiple historical contexts, etc. In this case, the symbol combined with the attire is quite clear and in my opinion, this is just not a good idea.
Korea, as a supposed first world nation should be fully aware of the historical meaning behind this "motiff". I can gaurantee contemporary German people would be mighty unhappy at this "fashion statement".
I have a great idea
Let's start a chain of Comfort Women theme bars in the U.S. Let's have "caucaziod" women dress up in nice colorful Hanbok, complete with simulated 1/2 Korean, 1/2 Japanese, anti-Minjok pregnancy "motiffs". We could create wood-burning ondols as tables, serve soju etc. Great idea. After all, pregnant women in colorful clothing look so COOL!
Go Korea, FIGHTING!!!
9:20 am on February 12th, 2011 31
zilchy, go right ahead, wear that hanbok. I'd like to see you in that.
Not to mention most Americans wouldn't have a clue about world history, including comfort women or Japanese WWII. etc., to carry out what you are suggesting. You guys can't even tell the difference between North and South Korea, let alone be bright enough to grasp what happened in WWII, outside of America.
That's funny.
9:55 am on February 12th, 2011 32
#31 Uh… Pretty much all of WWII happened outside America. Where are you studying history? You may want to get a refund.
10:36 pm on November 19th, 2011 33
hi where is girl
10:37 pm on November 19th, 2011 34
10:39 pm on November 19th, 2011 35
10:59 pm on November 19th, 2011 36
33, 34, 35:
/and that’s all I’m saying about it.