The debate over whether it is acceptable to physically confront Nazis gained attention in 2017, with headlines like “Is It OK to Punch a Nazi?” It was argued that the topic had become a fresh subject of national debate. The discussion arose after Richard Spencer, a prominent neo-Nazi leader, was punched during an interview following the inauguration of Donald Trump. While many argued against violence, some questioned whether exceptions could be made when faced with individuals whose ideals represent great evil.
During this discourse, memes advocating for punching Nazis became popular, often featuring an image of Indiana Jones, portrayed by Harrison Ford, preparing to strike a Nazi soldier. This led to the question, “What would Indiana Jones do?” being pondered by academics.
In a recent interview for his fifth and final film in the Indiana Jones franchise, titled Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford provided a definitive answer. He stated that Indiana Jones would not hesitate to throw the first punch and expressed his own support for physically confronting Nazis.
Indiana Jones, the archaeologist known as Dr. Henry Jones, became an iconic action hero through films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark (1984), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Set in the years leading up to World War II, the character frequently encountered Nazi soldiers, with one of his famous lines being “Nazis, I hate these guys.”
In the fourth film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), the story shifted to the 1950s, with Indy battling Soviet Communists. However, in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the character returns to his roots of combating fascist enemies. The plot revolves around Indy thwarting a nefarious scheme orchestrated by a former Nazi scientist, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, who is hired by NASA during the space race to land a man on the moon in 1969. Mikkelsen’s character, Jürgen Voller, is based on Wernher von Braun, a rocket technology developer who worked for Nazi Germany before being employed by the United States.
Ford highlights the importance of confronting evil, particularly in a world where shades of gray exist. He emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the threat of evil, as exemplified by the presence of Nazis in 1969 and the employment of individuals like von Braun despite their Nazi associations.
The film “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is scheduled to premiere on June 30th.
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