"when Hitler was a still a political upstart, he [Hanfstaengl] advised him that his patch of a moustache was unattractive and that he should grow it wider; to which Hitler replied, 'If it is not the fashion now, it will be later because I wear it.'" - - [Ernst Hanfstaengl] recalled [in conversation with] in 1923.
Referring here to the "toothbrush moustache". As worn by Adolf Hitler. Was not fashionable at the time prior to Hitler assuming power, but became fashionable in the years AFTER Hitler assumed power.
"The Toothbrush moustache (also called Hitler moustache, Charlie Chaplin moustache or 1/3 moustache) is a bushy moustache, shaved at the edges, except for three to five centimetres above the centre of the lip. The sides of the moustache are vertical rather than tapered."
"The style is now unpopular in the West due to its strong association with Hitler."
And, not ONLY in the west too. NOT favored in China either. Japanese soldiers too during WW2, bent on conquest and atrocity, also wore a version of the "toothbrush"?
"In China a trimmer version of this moustache is viewed as a stereotype of Japanese people, especially of Japanese soldiers from the Second World War."
Including Hitler, here are some of the major players in the Third Reich who emulated the "fashion statement" of Hitler and also wore a "toothbrush"! Sought to ingratiate by imitation? A poor choice, I must say!
A. Hitler.
Kurt Zeitzler.
Heinrich Himmler.
Oskar Dirlewanger.
Sepp Dietrich.
Some comments about these various individuals:
* NOT necessarily lick spittle fawning toadies. NOT merely YES men but often persons with strong personalities of their own.
* Ernst Hanfstaengl was a very early supporter of Hitler and National Socialism. A personal confidant in many regards. During World War Two [WW2] defected to the Americans and provided some interesting intelligence and insights into the behavior and personality of Hitler.
* Dietrich was the man called "Hitler's favorite soldier!"! I am not sure if that is good.
* Zeitzler was hand-picked [by Hitler] to succeed Halder as the German Chief of Staff. Jumped way over the heads of many senior and more experienced general officers to assume command. Took over the German Army at a bad time, when defeat became apparent and Hitler became more and more adamant and uncompromising in his [Hitler] decisions.
* Dirlewanger was a certifiable sociopath who led a unit comprised of certifiable sociopaths. A mad man leading a band of mad men!
"The style is now unpopular in the West due to its strong association with Hitler."
And, will be, more or less - - forever? I would think so!
coolbert.
Very interesting. I also doubt many people name their kids Adolf these days in Germany.
ReplyDeleteBert says: There is an alternative to the name. Dolph! As in Dolph Lundgren.
ReplyDeleteI used to pass a restaurant each and every day, the name of which was "Adolph's". The name does catch your eye. YES it does!
Bert.