ABSTRACT
What role did the body-parasite metaphor complex play during the rule of National Socialism in Germany? Was it only a rehash of the imagery used in Mein Kampf or did it undergo changes that can be related to political developments over the period 1933-1945? What discernible impact did it have on the public: was it just a sinister accompaniment of the Holocaust or was it instrumental in indoctrinating Germans to participate in or at least tolerate the unfolding genocide? Physically, the Holocaust could have happened without any propaganda (metaphorical or otherwise), but such a “mute” genocide is extremely implausible given that the regime needed the active participation of hundreds of thousands and the support, or at least tacit toleration, of millions of Germans in their execution of the genocidal programme. Research into the primary evidence, i.e. the secret intelligence reports of popular opinion compiled by the GESTAPO and the SS’s special “security service” (Sicherheitsdienst, short SD) as well as those by the exiled Social Democrats (Sopade) until 1940, 1 and from diaries, letters, etc., has established beyond doubt that the supposition of ignorance about the Nazis’ anti-Jewish policy among a majority of Germany’s adult population is a myth.2 Even though these primary sources cannot be used uncritically, due to the respective political bias of exaggerating the perceived political consensus or dissent, depending on institutional and personal interests and the limited knowledge of the authors, 3 they reveal widespread awareness of the Nazis’ anti-Jewish propaganda campaign and repressive/genocidal policies, including numerous reports about mass shootings.
