A ferocious on-line controversy has erupted involving an ancient symbol used by Nazis in WWII and the dramatic shape of the past weekend’s stage where ex-president Trump spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Sunday.
Here’s the thing: the centuries-old Norse (or Viking) symbol, called the “Odal” or “othala” rune, and the design of the CPAC stage are indistinguishable — and sharp-eyed observers on social media caught it quickly (you can see it above in video from Politico).
Has anyone else noticed the shape of the CPAC stage is the Odal Rune/SS insignia? pic.twitter.com/TCns4B1tq8
— The Daily Beans Podcast (@dailybeanspod) February 26, 2021
This has the Hyatt Hotels chain in a pickle, since CPAC was held at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando FL, reports Business Insider.
Some of Hyatt’s fiercest critics are calling for a boycott of the entire hotel chain.
The Hyatt Corporation tried to distance itself from the furor (to say nothing of the Führer), issuing a statement saying:
“We take the concern raised about the prospect of symbols of hate being included in the stage design at CPAC 2021 very seriously as all such symbols are abhorrent and unequivocally counter to our values as a company,” Hyatt said in a statement cited by Reuters.
In their quest to align themselves with a mythical “Aryan” culture said to have preceded Christianity in Europe, the Nazis put the angular shape — a square diamond with sharp-edged “wings” at the bottom — on the uniforms of some military units, including SS divisions. It has also been seen in tattoos and banners flaunted by American white supremacists.
Hyatt is taking no responsibility for the stage design, saying it was handled and approved by the American Conservative Union (ACU), which organizes the annual CPAC event. Whether that will affect the push for a boycott remains to be seen.
The CPAC stage resembles a known SS Nazi insignia. Generously, let's assume the design was in error. They should immediately release an apology and change up the stage. Not doing so will convey the most reprehensible intent. https://t.co/s5rsGkL7Sy
— Ilyse Hogue (@ilyseh) February 27, 2021
To that tweet, Ilyse Hogue added: “And by ‘resembles,’ I mean is identical to.’”
Naturally, the ACU denies the whole thing.
ACU chairman Matt Schlapp responded to the criticism in a tweet on Saturday, describing “conspiracies” about the design as “outrageous and slanderous.”
Late on Sunday, Hyatt tried to explain why it allowed the CPAC show to go on.
“With CPAC’s denial of any intentional connection to hate symbols and our concerns over the safety of guests and colleagues in what could have been a disruptive situation, we allowed the event to continue,” the company said.