If 1944 had been like 2012: “German Troops Riot in Italy over Disney Film!,” by Rand Simberg at PJ Media, September 23:
WASHINGTON (Routers) Outraged over the insult to their Fuehrer by a film recently released by RKO, German troops reportedly engaged in violent attacks on Americans attempting to consolidate a beach head in the area of Salerno, Italy, today. The attack was seemingly sudden and spontaneous, waged against the 36th and 45th Divisions near the villages of Altavilla and Battipaglia….
Titled Der Fuehrer’s Face, the short film that caused the uprising mocks not only Adolf Hitler, but also his aides Goering and Goebbels, and the Nazi belief system itself, and is clearly intended to do so. Featuring an insulting Donald Duck, it seems like crude propaganda, depicting Germans as cruel and stupid. It also makes fun of Hitler’s Mein Kampf. It also includes a racist depiction of General Tojo, the Japanese military leader. It features a silly and insulting song released last year by the so-called “comic” musician Spike Jones that mocks the Nazi Party….
In hopes of tamping down the sudden and unexpected bloodshed, the State Department issued a press release:
The U.S. State Department condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the feelings of Germans, Nazis and other fascists “” as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all beliefs. Respect for others” beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the feelings of others.