über Alles

[Dingfod]

The United States Air Force rolls out it's new advertising slogan, "Above All", for some, reminiscent of the the words "über Alles" (over everything) removed from the German national anthem after World War 2. While it doesn't translate exactly the same, I think similar meaning is intended by the ones using it, to dominate.

Col. Michael Caldwell, deputy director of Air Force public affairs

'Above All' is about what we do and how we do it. The job of the Air Force is to defend America and we do that by dominating air, space and cyberspace. The new campaign and slogan captures our roots, but also illustrates where we're going as a service as the Air Force prepares to contend with future threats.

WTF? Did anyone think of how this might be seen? Or am I up in the night figuratively as well as literally?

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if someone had thought of what it looks like and gave it the go ahead anyway. Ever been to the academy and seen the "chapel"? That place is a major creepshow.

[California Tanker]

The idea of "Uber Alles" meaning to dominate is a very common misconception. It was originally put in to the German anthem to exhort the German populace to keep the wellbeing of the country foremost in their minds, above personal benefit, not to think that Germany should be above all other countries. Basically a German version of "Ask not what your country can do for you..." It just took on a negative connotation and was part of the collateral damage post-war, together with the Iron Cross. (There is a debate currently ongoing about re-instating that award).

I don't have a problem with the Air Force's "Above All" slogan, at least it's a play on words. I've certainly seen worse from the Army.

NTM

[Stormlight]

Originally Posted by California Tanker

The idea of "Uber Alles" meaning to dominate is a very common misconception. It was originally put in to the German anthem to exhort the German populace to keep the wellbeing of the country foremost in their minds, above personal benefit, not to think that Germany should be above all other countries.

NTM

Or rather, that the creation of a unified Germany was more important than the sovereignty of the small states that made it up.

[California Tanker]

Or that...

NTM

[Dingfod]

I'm well aware of what über Alles originally meant; my brother's Berliner ex-wife called him an über Deutscher because of his love for all things German and his very public stance on restoring über Alles to the national anthem when they lived in Berlin. I think you very well know that I was just stating what a lot of people think the phrase means, or at least what people thought the Nazis corrupted it to mean. It was removed for what the people at the time viewed as a good reason, even if misquided.

I'm not really outraged at the Air Force's new slogan either, and not really excited about it either. But, I'm aware of how some people are going to view it. I just think they should have thought about how many comparisons of George W. Bush to Hitler and Homeland Security to the Gestapo there have been in recent years before selecting a slogan with obvious implications in this way. Unless it's an in-your-face kind of deal, then it's even more wrong.

[Stormlight]

Personally, I think that the name "Homeland Security" sounds a lot worse.

ETA: The link in your signature is pure genius, Dingfod!

[Watser?]

It has especially been pointed out that the Nazis used the term 'verschärfte Vernehmung', intensified interrogation, which could also be translated as the Bush regime's 'enhanced interrogation'.

[California Tanker]

There are other interesting similarities. The history of the recently introduced 'Combat Action Badge' is one. It is a bayonet and a grenade surrounded by a wreath, and was originally to be called the "Close combat badge". It was later pointed out that the Germans in WWII had what they called a "Close Combat Badge", which consisted of a bayonet and a grenade surrounded by a wreath... and was a lot harder to get.

The Americans changed the name of the badge.

NTM

[godfry n. glad]

Originally Posted by Stormlight

Personally, I think that the name "Homeland Security" sounds a lot worse.

ETA: The link in your signature is pure genius, Dingfod!

I'm with you, Storm. I've been uncomfortable about that one ever since it's inception. Particularly in what it purported to do with intelligence and police resources. It's a necessary prerequisite for a police state.

Das Homeland did not help at all.

The illicit eavesdropping since is even more disconcerting.

I think the "Above All" is funny, myself. (Always making with the pompous braggart approach...so military.) I do, however, have major concerns about the active attempts to inject political religiosity into the academy in Colorado Springs. I've seen news reports about coercive, or at least, intimidating, recruiting into christian groups on campus.