Quote:
Arralen said:
Sorry if this question does not belong here, too, but ...
Quote:
Palle said:
The fact that you can buy SS units is cool.
|
How come?
Those units which where in front-line use wheren't that much different than ordinary heer units. And those which wheren't .. dunno what's so "cool" about them or SS in general ... ????
|
It's a difficult question. Very generally, in wargaming the losing side tends to be more popular than the winning side: WWII Germans vs Allies, Confederate States vs Federal, Napoleon vs Wellington. I would suggest that this is due to most players, and I include myself, thinking "If I was in command, things would have been different..."
A second reason is "marketing". The National Socialists were not stupid. The SS was sold as an elite praetorian force, with special uniforms, special equipment and a direct link back to the "glorious past" of the teutonic knights. Whether or not you agree with the politics, the black SS uniform is pretty impressive looking. You can see some of the same factors in play in ads for the Marines, the French Foreign Legion and other "elite" formations. In SPWW2 the Marines get a whole OOB to themselves...
A third reason is the Cold War. Until recently, most western militaries were focussed on defeating the Russian Hordes. As the Germans generally and the SS specifically were the first modern western troops to go up against the Russians, it is easy for we westerners to identify with them. Only recently has WWII been portrayed as anything other than an American affair with some support from the rest of the allies*. In particular the overwhelming Russian contribution to the defeat of Germany is just starting to be acknowledged.
Finally there is politics. In general, most wargamers are right of centre politically. It is easy to look at what the facist regimes accomplished while avoiding looking at the failings. This appears too in the West's infatuation with ancient Rome.
Do I think the SS are cool? I have to admit with some guilt that yes I do. However, I am not naive enough to forget the racist brutality that underpins their "Cool" image. Then again, I prefer to play the Japanese - they are guilt free right?
PatG
*This seems to be primarily a Hollywood problem. In no way do I mean to ignore the huge contributions the US made in men and material.