World • 3h ago
‘I’m not a secret Nazi’: Graham Platner defends controversial tattoo, says critics misunderstood it
**Graham Platner Speaks Out on Controversial Tattoo, Denies Being a Nazi Sympathizer**
Graham Platner, a Democrat running for the Maine Senate, has responded to criticism over a tattoo he has, which some have linked to the Nazi SS secret police force. Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, insists that he is not a secret Nazi supporter and that his critics have misinterpreted the tattoo.
In an interview, Platner explained that the tattoo in question is a "Totenkopf" or "death's head" symbol, which he got while in Croatia in 2007 after a night out. He claimed that he was drunk at the time and did not know what the symbol represented. Platner said that when he explained the situation to Jewish leaders, they were understanding and accepted his explanation.
However, Platner has taken a more defiant stance in recent comments, saying that the more people talk about the tattoo, the more he gets to talk about his military service as a combat Marine. He linked the tattoo to his experiences in Iraq, where he said that machine gunners would get skull-and-crossbones tattoos as a way to commemorate their service.
Platner also praised the movie "Come and See," a 1985 Soviet film about resistance to Nazi forces during World War II, which features the Totenkopf symbol prominently. He called it an anti-war movie that everyone should watch.
Platner's comments are likely to spark further debate, especially in Nigeria where the history of colonialism and military rule has left a lasting impact. Nigerian voters may be interested in Platner's assertion that his tattoo is a result of his experiences as a combat Marine, and how that relates to his candidacy for public office.
It is worth noting that in Nigeria, tattoos are not as common as in Western countries, but they are gaining popularity among younger people. The controversy surrounding Platner's tattoo raises questions about the significance of tattoos in different cultures and how they are perceived by the public.
In Platner's case, the tattoo has become a lightning rod for criticism, with some accusing him of being a Nazi sympathizer. However, Platner insists that his critics have misunderstood the situation and that he is not a supporter of Nazi ideology. The controversy is likely to continue, with Platner's comments and explanation sparking further debate and discussion.