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For example, take Streicher, he is often classified with me because he was a journalist and propagandist. I always thought him very dumb and a sexual pervert. Therefore, I denounced Der Sturmer in public, although never on the radio, but frequently before classes of 200 to 250 journalists in the political propaganda courses which I gave at the university. I can state this quite frankly. In my defense, I want to touch the story of my relationship to Streicher with only a single sentence. On two occasions I attempted to prohibit Der Sturmer because of pornography. Regarding the protocols of the Elders of Zion, I thought that to be a stupid invention. Those are the only things that I will bring out in my defense in that regard. I think that in former years Streicher was a very cruel man, because I had several experiences with journalists who had been whipped by Streicher here in Nuremberg. They had been placed in concentration camps and I was able to liberate them only through the help of Hess at that time. I also believe that there was more than a little truth to the charges of embezzlement which were rumored at that time. Today I think a trifle better of him. I think he is mainly stupid. The crime does not lie in him but in the man who gave him power - the Fuhrer. I think that Streicher's mind is slow but that he has a certain natural strength which causes him to be a fanatic. This type of dumb individual can often be used for fanatical purposes.

Julius Streicher#25

HistoryPropagandaAnti semitismEthicsMediaCensorshipJournalism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker criticizes Streicher as a cruel journalist and propagandist, noting attempts to ban his newspaper and dismissing his anti-Semitic for as nonsense.
In plain terms
He calls Streicher a cruel, stupid propagandist and tried to stop his harmful work.
What can you take from it?
Beware of hateful media and those who spread it.

Where it applies

  • teaching journalism
  • public speaking
  • political debate

Putting it to work

  • expose harmful media
  • educate journalists
  • challenge extremist narratives

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance free speech with combating hate?
  • What responsibilities do journalists have in society?

Another view

The speaker's personal bias may color his assessment of Streicher.

More from Julius Streicher

  1. I also never read a work of Streicher or of that stupid journal Der Sturmer. I saw only one page of it and that sufficed. That paper was forbidden in my house.…

    Permalink to quote #24
  2. Streicher, let me give you some advice. I work in a Jewish bank. I have learned to be silent at times when my German heart gladly would have spoke. The Jews ar…

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. When a Negro soldier on the Rhine misuses a German girl, she is lost to the race.

    Permalink to quote #23

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