A Conversation for Ask h2g2

Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 1

z

Assuming said Nazi is non-violently going about his business spreading the bad news, and is no specific threat to yourself.

Is it acceptable to punch him?

(more ideas here https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2017/jan/31/the-punch-a-nazi-meme-what-are-the-ethics-of-punching-nazis )


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 2

Baron Grim

Ripley salvaged link: http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2017/jan/31/the-punch-a-nazi-meme-what-are-the-ethics-of-punching-nazis


Since I felt it was morally justified when Buzz Aldrin punched that confrontational conspiracy theorist, I really can't argue against punching a nazi, depending on the circumstances of course.

That said, is punching our only option. I'm definitely for pantsing nazis whenever they start spouting their racist views in public. It's so much more effective than physical violence.

http://youtu.be/C_XMb7m0Oo4


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 3

Icy North

We should deal with them in the same was as we deal with football hooligans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04clpd7h0b0


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 4

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

If they do it to get attention, how about ignoring them or changing the subject?


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 5

Baron Grim

I don't know...

Any reaction could potentially embolden them. I just saw a conservative internet meme that states that Trumps election didn't create liberal hate, it revealed it. They are relishing the outrage they're instilling.

They're done with feeling shame. Some of them deservedly so. There are many that the left paint with a broad brush as racist that just simply aren't so and those that are are definitely encouraging them to stand up and resist these labels and diminish the power of shame from the left altogether.

This gets really tricky.


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 6

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Taking legitimate issues seriously shouldn't be a problem. When Michael Moore documented the plight of unemployed workers in Michigan in "Roger and me," he was highlighting the same issue that Trump highlighted in telling General Motors that it should make more cars in the U.S. It's the same issue, whether the people talking about it are on the right, on the left, or in the middle. Historically, Americans were able to make cars and steel, and make it well. What happened, though, was that in the fifties and sixties many of the leaders in those industries got complacent and set in their ways, and foreign competitors out-competed them. Then some of those foreigners got snared in their own problems.

The ball is always in play. Change doesn't stop. General Motors has been making a point of the awards it's been winning in the last few years. Maybe the pendulum is swinging back....

Just sayin'


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 7

Hoovooloo

It's OK to punch a Nazi... so long as you don't object to Nazis punching you.

If you have an objection in principle or practice to Nazis (or anyone else) punching you, don't punch Nazis (or anyone else).

If they punch you first, by all means stab them repeatedly in the eyes and throat with a biro. Or follow them home and set fire to their house. But if you're *initiating* *physical* violence against someone based on what you understand to be their political beliefs - *you're* a Nazi, or no better than one.



Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 8

Icy North

It's funny how attitudes change over the years. In the 1970s we had an antisocial youth movement - punk. Yes, they came in lots of flavours, but a fair few racists were among them - especially after they morphed into the skinhead/oi movement. Basically, they were there to stir things up and shock people.

Now, punk is fluffy nostalgia. It's even the subject of McDonalds adverts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni0fSOtmO1A


Is it ok to punch a Nazi? or is violence ever acceptable

Post 9

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

"This video is not available in your country."

Oh, well.

I've never punched anybody, so I wouldn't know how to punch a Nazi even if I wanted to. If there are any Nazis in office anywhere now, I can't find them. If there are ordinary people with Nazi sympathies, I'm not going to antagonize them if I should happen to run into them. I've spent a lot of time over the years dodging Scientologists with leaflets to hand out, telemarketers wheedling for money for spurious causes, and earnest people with no grasp of basic civics at debates. They are probably, in one or more ways, decent human beings, but with some quirks.

Live and let live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_g0wA89niI


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