Are Volkswagen Fanboys the Most Anti-Semitic Car Enthusiasts?

Mark Stevenson
by Mark Stevenson

Last week, we pondered a semi-subtle Nazi-themed decal applied to the rear window of a Volkswagen CC (that obviously blocked the driver’s rearview of history). After we posted that piece, another reader supplied the image above, which shows a Volkswagen GTI sporting a novelty plate that directly links the Führer’s People’s Car with the Nazi execution of nearly 6 million Jews.

Are Volkswagen fanboys the most likely car enthusiast group to show full-on anti-Semitism?

The display of racist imagery isn’t limited to just Volkswagen, or just the Nazis. One only needs to look to (predominately) rural America and Canada (we see it lots here) to find many Confederate flags affixed to pickups and the like. The racism attached to the Confederate flag is usually thinly veiled with explanations of “Dukes of Hazzard” fandom or having a relative who fought for the South in the American Civil War.

Just last year, a group protested Kid Rock’s use of the Confederate flag at concerts and called on General Motors to stop sponsoring his tour. Even pro-golfer Bubba Watson got caught up in the fervour surrounding the Confederate flag when he promised to paint over the imagery on his authentic General Lee Charger.

Debate continues over the Confederate flag’s appearance on state-issued license plates. Maryland phased out license plates featuring the Confederate flag after a federal ruling on the matter, which followed Texas and Virginia. Georgia, however, continues to sell Confederate-themed license plates — the proceeds of which partially fund the Sons of Confederate Veterans — after sales of that plate were temporarily suspended.

Yet, no such thin veil is used for this Volkswagen novelty plate. And though Daimler made some impressive machines for Hitler during Nazi rule in Germany, we’ve yet to see a C-Class festooned with swastikas.

[Image: Supplied by Ed Covert via “PoSC – Photos of Shitty Cars” on Facebook]

Mark Stevenson
Mark Stevenson

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  • Shortest Circuit Shortest Circuit on Apr 18, 2016

    Why the rear window? Was it too hard to get a "What six million?" plate holder?

  • DenverMike DenverMike on Apr 18, 2016

    Who the hell has time to click on every single article? Dollar to Donuts the whiners and snivelers don't either. Not my site, not always my preferred content, especially "minivans", who the heck cares?? And when Saab was circling the drain, I was *appalled* by constant, nonstop Saab articles, so I voted with my feet, and guess what, no more Saab articles!!!

    • See 1 previous
    • DenverMike DenverMike on Apr 18, 2016

      @Dave M. Not exactly. Point is you can't please everyone so might as well please yourself. Or is that pleasure yourself?

  • Jor65756038 As owner of an Opel Ampera/Chevrolet Volt and a 1979 Chevy Malibu, I will certainly not buy trash like the Bolt or any SUV or crossover. If GM doesn´t offer a sedan, then I will buy german, sweedish, italian, asian, Tesla or whoever offers me a sedan. Not everybody like SUV´s or crossovers or is willing to buy one no matter what.
  • Bd2 While Hyundai has enough models that offer a hybrid variant, problem has been inadequate supply, so this should help address that.In particular, US production of PHEVs will make them eligible for the tax credit.
  • Zipper69 "At least Lincoln finally learned to do a better job of not appearing to have raided the Ford parts bin"But they differentiate by being bland and unadventurous and lacking a clear brand image.
  • Zipper69 "The worry is that vehicles could collect and share Americans' data with the Chinese government"Presumably, via your cellphone connection? Does the average Joe in the gig economy really have "data" that will change the balance of power?
  • Zipper69 Honda seem to have a comprehensive range of sedans that sell well.
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