A comic strip book which has transformed Hitler from a murderous monstrosity into a Pac-Man loving and cashew nut eating hipster has been called “anti-Semitic” and “sick” by a group of Jewish activists.
The comic strip book, which is widely available, was created by New York based satirists James Carr and Archana Kumar whose mission statement was to “metamorphose last century’s most hated figure with the contemporary twit known as the Hipster.
According to its description on Amazon, the book apparently is, “Notorious, irreverent and reveals how today’s subculture personalities fetishise the authentic to create a new variety of conformism.”
The description goes on to state that by, “Using a combination of puns, parody, dark humor and visual gags, the exploits of the Third Reich and the activities of the everyday Hipster are lampooned in a knowing fashion.”
However, Shania Angel, a member of London Stands with Israel – and whose grandmother died in the Holocaust, begs to differ and told Ham & High newspaper that the book is a disgrace and should be banned.
“T-shirts are now being sold of Hipster Hitler – it’s turning Hitler into a cute and trendy character.
“It’s offensive to people like me who have had family members killed in the Holocaust.
“Anti-Semitism has skyrocketed recently and we shouldn’t be selling books like this. We should boycott shops that sell it, we should protest outside their stores and do everything we can to make sure these aren’t being sold.”
IIana Katz also believes the book is in bad taste and has called for shops to stop selling copies.
“If we can’t get shops to stop selling copies we’ll buy and shred them all. Since when was it okay to promote Hitler as a cool person?”
The book was only published after becoming an internet success. In the comic strip, Hitler is portrayed as wearing black-rimmed glasses, cardigan, beanie hats and T-shirts with distasteful slogans such as “Death Camp for Cutie,” “Save The Panzer,” and “1941: A Race Odyssey.”
In one strip , Hitler is pictured arguing with his Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels, calling him a “kibitzer” – a Yiddish term from someone giving unwanted advice.
The book’s authors have defended their creation by calling Hipster Hitler a parody who is not intended to offend anyone.
“HipsterHitler.com uses the names of public figures for purposes of satire only.
“None of the views expressed should be confused with the actual views of the authors, advertisers, the hosting company, any service providers or the owner of this domain name.
“Everything… is intended to spoof, parody and satirize. We make no claims as to the accuracy of our satire.”
What do you think? Is Hipster Hitler a harmless bit of fun or a sick joke that’s got out of control?
