The CPAC Stage Design Is Literally a Nazi Symbol Because Republicans Are Not Even Trying To Hide It Anymore

The 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has made a bold and unequivocal statement about where their loyalties lie: squarely with the hateful rhetoric and policies of former president Donald Trump. This includes CPAC attendees going all in on white supremacy and Nazism, from their talking points, speakers and actions down to the very design of their main stage at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando. Twitter users pointed out the the stage design is a replica of the Odal rune.

Less known than the swastika, the Odal rune dates back to ancient Germanic languages and symbolizes heritage, inheritance, or inherited estate. As the emblem of ethnic Germans (Volksdeutsche), the Odal rune appeared on the flag of the 7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen operating during World War II. The Odal rune was also prominently featured as a badge on SS uniforms, and has been co-opted by neo-Nazi groups, including the National Socialist Movement(NSM), across the globe.

The horrific stage design is less of a dog whistle and more of a primal scream, symbolizing the republican party’s overt support of white supremacy and Nazism. They’re not even trying to hide it anymore. Many took to Twitter to express their outrage at the blatant imagery:

When pressed for comment, Hyatt released a statement saying, “We take pride in operating a highly inclusive environment and we believe that the facilitation of gatherings is a central element of what we do as a hospitality company. We believe in the right of individuals and organizations to peacefully express their views, independent of the degree to which the perspectives of those hosting meetings and events at our hotels align with ours.”

So Hyatt is basically saying that a giant Nazi symbol on display in their conference room is a gesture of tolerance? That is quite a ghoulish take.

The Republican party’s affinity for white supremacy is, of course, not a shock. After all, they supported Trump’s big lie and a white nationalist insurrection on the Capitol, which resulted in 6 deaths. They also refused to hold Trump accountable by impeaching him in the Senate in a tacit endorsement of his violence. Congressman and alleged insurrection supporter Paul Gosar (R-AZ), even spoke at a white nationalist conference in Orlando, Florida on Friday night, where he was the keynote speaker at white nationalist Nicholas Fuentes’ “America First Political Action Conference” (AFPAC), before speaking at CPAC the following morning.

There is no more clear and present danger to our democracy than the republican’s embrace of fascism and white supremacy. And democrats are expected to reach across the aisle and compromise with these monsters? I don’t think so. Vote them all out and hold them accountable for their blatant Nazism.

(featured image: screencap/Twitter)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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