nazi tattoo?

Question

i am thinking about getting a tattoo of the german coat of arms, but my roommate says that it is a nazi tattoo. i really like the image and i think it would be a great tattoo but i am nervous that he is right or that people will think that it is a nazi tattoo can you help me out with this

here is a picture of the eagle i am talking about
http://www.ezdanna.com/images/E8015_German_Eagle.jpg

Answer 1

If having weighed the considerations, and you feel strongly about it.. I say go for it..

I'm imagining you're too young to remember it - but in the late eighties.. German military surplus was all the rage, and "Bundeswher" tanktops with the eagle emblem were super-popular.. heck I wore 'em and no-one ever called me out as a nazi.. (however if I were 6'4", blond hair and blue eyes.. mighta been different!)..

Anyway - your eagle was never a Nazi symbol (Hitler redesigned a whole different one for the Nazis).. The eagle symbol of Germany dates back nearly 1,000 years!

One caveat though, while you could deflect any claims about Nazism, bear in mind that the coat of arms is a symbol of GDR's government TODAY.. Seeing as a tattoo's for life, are you 100% positive you want to endorse the German government on your flesh for years to come..

?


history of the German Adler:

Answer 2

If you think you can deal with people thinking you are a nazi in any way choose something else. Know a guy that got a word on his shoulder and didnt realise that one state over it meant you were a nazi and got the crap beat out of him. Also this is NOT a coat of arms, its a symbol of an eagle, suchas you would use on say a uniform patch. Think of that it represents to you and come up with some alternative designs, if its the eagle that you want any artist will be more than willing to draw you one. perhaps put a scenic backgroun behind rather than the black?

Answer 3

i thought it was the swastika, whew! im relieved.
Honestly, as a half Jew, I have a unrealistsic fear/general disgust
for anything German, I know that it's unrealistic, and outdated,
and not every German person was a Nazi blah blah blah but I think you can apprecieate where Im coming from with this.
Youre friends half right; its not nessarily a "nazi" tattoo,
however, Those Nazi pigs used to have the patch of that on their
little uniforms they used to wear so to some people it may stir up some bad feelings.
Maybe there is another way to incorporate your German heritiage
in a less obvious way. Search for your own Family's Coat of Arms. i think thats pretty cool; its very original .
The German Flag is also a good idea; theres no bad feelings associated with that.

Answer 4

Instead of getting something people might consider Nazi, how about getting your family coat of arms instead? You could stylize it and make it more personal to you. You are right, what you picked would make a great tatt but, I think you would regret it later in the fact that you would have to constantly explain why you got it. Even in this day and age, people are still quite raw about the whole Nazi thing. Though you may know why you got it, others may not be so understanding. Sorry hon, but I would reconsider your choice.

Answer 5

It's a swastika and it isn't a Nazi symbol. It's a spiritual symbol which has existed for thousands of years. The Nazis adopted it and altered it slightly. If it doesn't look exactly like the Nazi swastika then likely it is the other one. btw at least you bothered to ask. Lots of people would have just made an assumption and gone with it. So I give you a thumbs up for going the extra mile.

Answer 6

I HAVE A GREAT IDEA. What would be cool is if you got a henna of it first and see if anyone if offended or gives you looks. but i think the german coat of arms if a cool idea, its an eagle so some people might even think its an american thing. It's not like your getting a svatiska or anything and you're not a nazi (right?) so i don't think it's a problem.

Answer 7

The swastika is, not the eagle. The Germany of today wants nothing to do with Nazi symbols. Many, many nations have an eagle as their coat of arms. It has been an ancient tradition as the eagle has always represented strength.
(I have a German background).

Answer 8

It may be better to do some deep research into the iconology of the tat first. The swastika that was used by the Nazi's had a far different meaning before they took possession of that image as their logo.

Dig deep - try a library - the Internet may not help too much.

Answer 9

I wouldn't be concerned about it. but obviously you are which to me is a sign not to get it done.
But if you are sure then go ahead. It does have some significants to the Nazis but I wouldn't worry about it. The swastika on the other hand would be something to fret about even though that too is a symbol in other countries and religions. It means to have POWER but obviously it carries a higher meaning for the Nazis. And if you get that tattooed you may be considered a racist.

Answer 10

A lot of people have this tattoo, don't worry what others think, if you are getting it because you feel it represents your heritage then get it..plus if you put it on your upper arm or back then less chances people are going to see it all the time anyhow.