And then, one day...

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[–]sawboss 4 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 0 fun5 insightful - 1 fun -  (5 children)

Except they didn't.

https://www.quora.com/Why-did-the-German-electorate-vote-for-Hitler

After the burning of Reichstag and fears of a Communist coup stoked by Nazi propaganda, the Nazis still came up short, getting 43.9% of the vote and still could only rule in the Reichstag in coalition. Hitler was able pass a series of laws first outlawing the Communist Party and then the Socialists, making the Nazi Party the sole legal political party as well roll back the civil rights in the Weimar Constitution.

When Hindenburg died in 1934, Hitler merged the powers of the Presidency with the Chancellorship. His accession to power was complete without winning a majority in head-to-head political or parliamentary election.

[–]worm[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (4 children)

You could quibble about it, but I'd say that being voted into a legislative chamber - even if you govern it in coalition - is pretty clearly being voted into power. Hell, being voted into any sort of government position at all, even if it's a local position, is technically being voted into power.

But ultimately, it's a joke. If late night talk show hosts have taught me anything, it's that historical and political accuracy should never get in the way of a good joke.

[–]sawboss 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (3 children)

But ultimately, it's a joke.

I get that and I don't imagine you had any ill intent. There's just something about the idea that early 20th century Germans were bloodthirsty bigots that deserves scrutiny. I think you might agree that a joke which doesn't cause you to challenge your own assumptions is probably not a very effective joke.

[–]worm[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

Here's something else I learned from watching comedians: don't ever tell a joke that challenges your own or other people's assumptions.

The key to a good joke in the modern world is smugness and groupthink. A good joke is not measured by the ability to challenge people and make them think, it is measured by its ability to reassure a group that they are right and their detractors are wrong.

By the modern metric, I think my joke is a success. It's unfortunate that you'd use a different metric, but ultimately it's just a joke.

[–]sawboss 1 insightful - 3 fun1 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 3 fun -  (1 child)

It's unfortunate that you'd use a different metric,

No, it isn't. My metric is correct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwMukKqx-Os

[–]worm[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Carlin's a lost gem, that's for sure.