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Out-branding the Nazis in Germany

July 14, 2011 12:49
Models sporting Storch Heinar clothing, which parodies the neo-Nazi predilection for the Thor Steinar brand

By

Toby Axelrod,

Toby Axelrod

1 min read

Neo-Nazis in Germany may be unified in their racism, antisemitism and hatred of foreigners. But these days, they do not all look the same.

No longer are right-wing extremists all wearing the Thor Steinar clothing brand, or sporting the skinhead look.

Observers of the far-right in Germany say that neo-Nazis are increasingly seen with piercings, graffiti-look tops, baggy trousers, mohawk haircuts and other accessories that might have led to them being beaten up by right-wing extremists only a few years ago.

Neo-Nazis are still able to recognise each other, says Frank Metzger, education expert at Berlin-based social watchdog group Agency for Social Perspectives. Subtle signs are now common, says Mr Metzger, including pins and pendants bearing the Iron Cross or the "Hammer of Thor", or the tartan-lined Harrington jacket.

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