Relationship With Hitler and Nazis
Despite his "defects," von Cramm was able to stay alive and out of prison during Nazi Germany for a long span of time. Gays were the second most persecuted group, after the Jews, and often times non-gays were arrested and killed on immoral charges. However, Cramm was able to survive because of his Aryan appearance and tennis abilities. His appearance and athletic superiority made him a role-model for the Nazi Party, yet he constantly refused to join because of his own morals and beliefs. Hitler and the Nazi Party wished to recruit Cramm, because he was a perfect example of the newly formed Germany spirit. Cramm was successful in life and sports, with his good manners gaining him fame throughout the world. The Nazis wished to use him to evolve from an isolated country to one with many talents and composure.
Cramm has come to represent the hypocrisy and flexibility within the Nazi Party. His survival during these times is vital to understand the true workings of Nazism and Hitler. By letting Cramm survive, Hitler showed that international fame was more important than sending one more homosexual to his doom. Hitler's emphasis on sports is also revealed with the Hitler Youth and Max Schmeling. By letting Cramm survive, Hitler and the Nazis demonstrated that they were willing to put their "Aryan ideologies" at risk in order to achieve fame and victory.
Read more about this topic: Gottfried Von Cramm
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