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Propaganda Technique: Forging a Trademark
[Variant of text from https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/exhibit/MgJiSSb7oRR7Jg ]
In 1920, Hitler designed the Nazi flag with the old German imperial colors of black, white, and red, and set in its center a figure known in German as a hakenkreuz -- "hooked cross." The cross, found in cultures worldwide, was closely linked to the ancient "Aryan" culture of India, where it was called the swastika and represented good luck. The visually arresting banner, Hitler believed, had to epitomize the party's struggle and highlight its mission to protect Germany's "superior" "Aryan" race against the dangers of Jews and other "inferior" peoples.
Though other right-wing antisemitic groups had used the swastika before, Hitler's adoption of it resulted in a unique trademark for the Nazi Party. With time, it became an enduring symbol of hate. |