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He was another dominator you know - Hitler. And he was a wonderful ballroom dancer. Not many people know that... Of course Mrs Hitler was a charming woman, wasn't she? She's still alive, you know. I saw her down the Egdware Road only the other day. She'd just popped into the chemist's to buy something, and I saw her sign the cheque 'Mrs Hitler' so I knew it was she.

Peter Cook#26

SatireHistoryEvilMorality

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker makes light of Hitler and his wife to mock how people focus on trivial details.
In plain terms
They mention Hitler's dancing and his wife to distract from his crimes.
What can you take from it?
Focusing on trivial traits can minimize serious harms.

Where it applies

  • historical discussion
  • satire

Putting it to work

  • identifying distractions

Questions to consider

  • How do you discuss historical evil?
  • What distracts from serious issues?

Another view

This approach is deeply insensitive to victims.

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