Public Image on the example "Demonstration in Hamm"

[Tryggvi]

I have heard the opinion that many participants at the Demonstration in Hamm (Pictures) would rather look like "chaotic left-wing extremists" and that there would be "no difference in style and culture to punks and social outcasts" anymore. This would "scare the common dissatisfied man away", and do "more harm and damage" to the "public image" of nationalists and the forces of freedom and self-determination "than good".

What is your opinion on the issue?

Are certain outfits (such as those often worn by skinheads, for example), certain hair styles (such as punk and mohawk hair cuts, wild colors, or no hair on top with long hair at the sides amongst certain skingirls), certain flags, symbols, imagery and slogans (in particular those that have been demonized for decades), publicly visible tattoos (in particular with imagery and text conveying a negative message or confirming negative stereotypes), extensive piercing (such as nose rings), as well as various uniforms, counter-productive?

If not, why not? If so, why and what could be done to avoid these things?

Should participants at demonstrations rather wear cultural, traditional clothing, suits and dresses, or at least better, more classy casual clothing? If so, how could or should that be enforced?

[Tryggvi]

Hmmm ... I reckon I won this argument in the First Round by argumentative K. O. —

I expect you in tailcoat, and with stovepipe hat and walking-stick at the next demonstration. — king

[Allenson]

Indeed, there is a 'stigma' attached to the shorn-headed, combat-boot clad, tattooed "neo-Nazi, skin-head punk" that has left a sour taste in the mouths of many folk that might otherwise be more sypathetic to nationalistic notions. It is my opinion that yes, traditional clothing or "regular" modern attire is better suited for situations such as this.

As for enforcement, this is surely a difficult thing to mandate and I don't think it can really be done. I've never been one for enforcement of anything upon anyone as I wish no enforcement upon myself.

Thank you for the pictures.

[Ominous Lord Spoonblade]

I think on average people will take you more seriously if you are dressed "normally". It is just human nature to look strangely and skeptically upon that which is "different"! To me, clothes are just clothes, everyone has an "image". I have days where I look just like a "normal everyday girl" and days where I may look to some like an evil Satanist, but the truth is, I am neither :ultrawink I believe that overall, it is an intelligent strategy to dress "respectable" at demonstrations! Would you dress like a skinhead and show your tattoos at a job interview??

I expect you in tailcoat, and with stovepipe hat and walking-stick at the next demonstration.

You want everyone to look like Frosty the Snowman?

x_hehe

[cosmocreator]

It looks like a disorganized mob to me.

I like the idea of uniforms. Attractive uniforms. Black pants, black boots, and a deep burgundy collared long-sleaved shirt with possibly a white clip on tie. No symbols of the past like the four arm swastika.

[Hans]

I hate the whole combat boot/Goth look. These people fight for the sake of fighting. Their preaching of “Aryan” family values is in a sense, a complete oxymoron coming from them. I’m sorry but screaming racial slurs, dropping the F bomb every three seconds, never smiling, waving guns around, and dressing up like outlaw bikers helps no one. In fact, all they are doing is severally crippling the cause.