“I think people need to be educated before they put on a costume like that.”
An Irish costume shop has come under criticism for selling a Nazi uniform as a Halloween outfit.
The description for the costume, which is no longer being sold, reads: “There will be no mistaking your authority in this Nazi costume, a sure way to make an impression at any fancy dress party.”
Raising the issue on Liveline on Thursday – who did not name the shop – Dutch caller in Limerick Dirk de Klein, whose grandfather was executed by the Nazis, took issue with the costume being advertised for Halloween.
"I'm not a snowflake, people should be able to do what they want, but people should be educated before they put on a Nazi uniform for Halloween," Dirk says he's seen a Gestapo outfit for sale online and he finds it deeply distasteful. #Liveline @joeliveline
— Liveline (@rteliveline) October 28, 2021
“I’m not a snowflake, okay. I do believe that people should be free to do or wear what they want,” he told Joe Duffy.
“But I think this needs to be put in the context. I think people need to be educated before they put on a costume like that.
“The Nazis, they killed 17 million people between 1933 and 1945. That’s more than a million a year.
“I think if you put on a Nazi uniform you’re kind of glorifying that whole thing.
“Now I know this is for Halloween and you might want to put it on as a villain or as someone who’s evil or as a monster.
“Having said that, the Nazi uniform does not relate to Halloween as such, not a traditional Halloween.”
De Klein added that there are some Holocaust survivors living in Ireland.
“Imagine if they get a knock at the door for a trick or treat and they see something like that. I can’t even imagine.”
A German caller, Wolfgang, said that while he would not himself take offence with the costume, he understands why people could.
“To be honest Joe, I probably wouldn’t take offence,” he explained.
“But I’m thinking of… the people who do take offence, right?
“People who wear those costumes, they’re trying to crack a joke but I don’t know what they are cracking a joke about.”
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