«The Hitler salute — is the Hitler salute», — says the headline of a column by the political editor Lentz Jacobsen in the German newspaper Die Zeit.
The author writes that when someone on the political stage, during a political speech, in front of a crowd that is not lacking in far-right followers, extends his right arm several times at an angle – he is recreating the Hitler salute. The billionaire's excuse, such as that he has rediscovered the ancient «Roman salute», is just a desire to embellish the obvious.
«There is no need for «allegedly», «reminiscent» or «contradictory». The gesture speaks for itself, it is documented on video. Those who want to see something else in it, who do not want to see the Hitler salute, do so at their own peril and risk. In essence, it is about attention – the most controversial currency of society. Every image, video and sound competes for attention every second of the day. Trump and Musk have succeeded in this game, especially in turning even bad publicity to their advantage. This – is a prime example of that», — writes Jacobsen.
The author suggests that neo-Nazis and far-right extremists will perceive the outstretched right hand as a gesture of solidarity and affirmation of support, while more moderate supporters may perceive it as an exaggerated display of enthusiasm.
«Meanwhile, everyone else faces a choice: either ignore the violation of the taboo — inadvertently contributing to its normalization — or call it what it is, fueling outrage that simply makes opponents more popular», – added Lenz Jacobsen.
The column is accompanied by a photo of Musk making a hand gesture during President Trump's inauguration celebration on Monday.
The close Trump aide thanked supporters by placing his palm against his chest and then sharply extending his right hand toward the crowd.
«I just want to say thank you for doing this», – the SpaceX, X and Tesla owner said, then repeated the gesture.
The move by Musk sparked widespread outrage on Monday, with Democratic lawmakers and other observers recalling the billionaire's support for right-wing politics and conspiracy theories.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday also condemned Musk's gesture.
«We have freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany. Everyone can say what they want, even if they are a billionaire. But what we do not accept is the support of far-right positions», – Scholz said.
After Musk's prank, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister’s Yolanda Diaz said she was leaving his social network X.
Musk himself, an active social media user and key member of Trump's inner circle, ridiculed accusations that he performed the Nazi salute, saying that those who make such comparisons are resorting to «dirty tricks».
Meanwhile, right-wing extremists and nationalists on Monday applauded the actions Mask.
Leader of the American neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe Christopher Paulhaus reposted the video with Musk, writing: «I don't care if it was a mistake. I'll enjoy the tears shed over it».
«Heil Trump!», – These words accompanied the video of the «Proud Boys» (Proud Boys) branch in Ohio.
The white supremacist group White Lives Matter reacted on Telegram with the message: «Thanks for (sometimes) hearing us, Elon. The White Flame will rise again.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, came to Musk's defense.
«It appears that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we understand that people are on edge», — the ADL said.
The Roman salute — is a historical gesture in which the right hand is extended upwards with the palm facing down and the fingers joined together. It was adopted as a greeting by the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, who imposed its use by his royal decree in 1925. There is no substantial evidence to support the claim by Mussolini and his entourage that the greeting originated in ancient Rome.
The salute was later adopted by Nazi Germany as a sign of allegiance to Adolf Hitler.
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