Saying Hitler ‘got some things right’ should not be illegal, says Jewish commentator
Following widespread anger over rapper Kayne West's Hitler comments, commentator Danny Finkelstein argues against banning his music or the right to deny the Holocaust
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Denying the Holocaust or saying Hitler “got some things right” should not be illegal, a leading Jewish commentator has insisted.
Writing on controversial rapper Kayne West’s recent remarks, in which he praised the Nazi leader, Danny Finkelstein opposed calls to ban his music saying “we ought to push what we allow to be said to the limit.”
In a comment piece for The Times, Finkelstein writes:”I don’t believe what West said should be illegal.
“However repulsive, it shouldn’t be illegal to deny the Holocaust or say Hitler got some things right.”
The Conservative peer and Chelsea Football Club director suggests comments such as those made by West represent “political or historical observations”, and not direct violent threats, which he accepts “should be outlawed.”
He later compares rapper West’s music as “pioneering” in the same way German composer Wagner’s work is also of “major importance.”
Finkelstein writes that “art should be allowed to speak for itself” adding the “same principle that applies to Wagner – whose antisemitism was marked – applies to West’s output.”
The journalist notes that Michael Jackson’s music is still listened to despite awareness of his behaviour.
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