When the new exhibit at Berlins Madame Tussaud’s opened, the second visitor ever jumped the separation between the public and the wax figure of Hitler, and ripped off its head. He pushed aside two security guards, one of whom was specifically assigned to keep people away from the puppet, which has caused a stir in Germany. The man is now facing an investigation for destruction of property, as well as assault of the security guard.
The museum’s staff reported that the culprit looked “completely normal”, as if anyone who feels like ripping off Hitler’s head is automatically crazy looking, and easily recognizable. I disagree; I imagine there are hundreds of thousands of completely normal looking people who would love to perform this particular “crime”.
The inclusion of Hitler in the exhibit, which features prominent figures in Germany’s history, has been cause for concern for quite a while, although some have complained louder than others: Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit urged the museum to consider carefully whether to include Hitler and, if it did, to ensure that he not be shown as a “cult figure”. Which is about the lamest protest I’ve ever heard.
I should think a wax dummy of Hitler would look much better without the head; it makes a nice statement, doesn’t it? So I wouldn’t complain too much, if I were the MT staff; I would even bet it will draw more visitors this way. Or maybe they can turn this into an interactive exhibit? For a small extra fee, visitors can rip Hitler’s head off themselves?
Like this?
And while we’re on the topic, are there other fun things to do with the puppet? Maybe the Germans can do what the Belgians do with their “Manneke Pis” statue: dress it up. He could be Santa in December (oh, okay, maybe just an elf), and in the heat of summer, he could wear a bikini; maybe something fun can be done with a Rio-style updo during Mardi Gras. With lots of feathers. Sure, he was part of history, but who says he has to wear a uniform? I bet Hitler would look great in sequins.
2 responses so far ↓
Valerie Marie // July 11, 2008 at 8:05 am
Since the mid 30 the Tussaud museum in London shows a A.H. figure. He is a part of our history and we have to remember what he did, so that it will never happen again. In Berlin, they show him in the bunker, close to the end. The message is clear to me. One thing more: the culprit did it because of a bet he made with friends and he harmed one of the guards. Definitiv nicht witzig.
Annette // July 11, 2008 at 8:17 am
I disagree, although I understand what you are saying. I still don’t think we need a puppet to “remember”, we have plenty of other tools for that, and those that refuse to acknowledge (and there are still those that deny) won’t be convinced by a MT display.
Bet or no bet, I’m still happy somebody ripped off the head. About the guard, that’s a different matter…not acceptable, I agree with you there.
Thanks for your response.
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