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How the emojis and fashion choices of Germany’s far‑right supporters get around the ban on Nazi symbolism

The article examines how supporters of Germany’s far right, particularly those associated with the AfD, use coded symbols, fashion brands, and emojis to signal extremist beliefs while avoiding Germany’s strict bans on Nazi imagery. Because overt Nazi symbols are illegal, far-right groups increasingly rely on Norse and Viking references, certain clothing brands, and seemingly harmless online emojis to communicate affiliation. The article argues that these symbols often have legitimate, non-political uses, which allows extremists to "hide in plain sight" and deny extremist intent. By blending into mainstream culture and adopting ordinary consumer products and online symbols, far-right movements can make their ideas appear more acceptable and less visibly extreme.

Authors

Tom Birkett, Felix Lummer (Postdoctoral Researcher UCC), Timothy Liam Walters

Year
2026
Journal Name
The Conversation
Category
Journal Article
Keywords
Far-right extremism; Alternative für Deutschland (AfD); Nazi symbolism; Norse imagery; Viking symbolism; Runes; Coded communication; Political signalling; Extremist fashion; Emoji communication
Project

NorseMap: Mapping the Reception and Legacy of the Vikings in Europe

Full Citation
Birkett, T., Lummer, F. and Waters, L. (2026) How the emojis and fashion choices of Germany’s far-right supporters get around the ban on Nazi symbolism. The Conversation, 23 September 2026.

 

Link to Publication
https://theconversation.com/how-the-emojis-and-fashion-choices-of-germanys-far-right-supporters-get-around-the-ban-on-nazi-symbolism-292140#comment_3087483

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