To Russians, ‘Nazi’ is not a political ideology or a party, it’s simply “Whoever is against Russia right now”. Are you against Russia? You’re a Nazi, it’s as simple as that. If they had to contend with the idea that Nazism is a political ideology, they’d have to start calling themselves Nazis, which doesn’t work in the Russian psyche.
So, when Russians say that Ukrainians are Nazis, what they really mean is “Ukrainians are fighting back when we kill their children. That makes them enemies and therefore Nazis”
Yes. The current modern neo-nazis behave similarly: they claim only the others (the ones they don’t like) are Nazis and their own kind just want the “freedom” to say and do what they like, e.g. get rid of people of color, or political opponents after that. They also frequently claim they’re the victims themselves (e.g. claims of “white genocide” => whites “need to fight back”)). But they would never call themselves Nazis even though they are doing Nazi things regularly. Fascists twist and redefine words and meanings to serve their own agenda.
Small correction: They go after political opponents, then minorities. Can’t have organizations that can protect the minorities when you put them in camps.
To Russians, ‘Nazi’ is not a political ideology or a party, it’s simply “Whoever is against Russia right now”. Are you against Russia? You’re a Nazi, it’s as simple as that. If they had to contend with the idea that Nazism is a political ideology, they’d have to start calling themselves Nazis, which doesn’t work in the Russian psyche.
So, when Russians say that Ukrainians are Nazis, what they really mean is “Ukrainians are fighting back when we kill their children. That makes them enemies and therefore Nazis”
It’s more like what Russian government wants than actual reality.
Yes. The current modern neo-nazis behave similarly: they claim only the others (the ones they don’t like) are Nazis and their own kind just want the “freedom” to say and do what they like, e.g. get rid of people of color, or political opponents after that. They also frequently claim they’re the victims themselves (e.g. claims of “white genocide” => whites “need to fight back”)). But they would never call themselves Nazis even though they are doing Nazi things regularly. Fascists twist and redefine words and meanings to serve their own agenda.
Small correction: They go after political opponents, then minorities. Can’t have organizations that can protect the minorities when you put them in camps.
That makes a lot of sense, thanks.