ANNA KUCH

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While the rabbit is not an extremely prominent symbol within Nazi, neo-Nazi or white supremacist movements, it is important to remain aware of the potential for symbols to be appropriated or distorted by extremist groups. Symbols are manipulated or co-opted to convey messages that may not have originally been associated with them. To better navigate the complexities of symbols, also rather subtle symbols, their histories and their potential associations with hate and extremism, the following collection on rabbit symbology shall give an overview. Donnie Darko, The Rabbits of David Lynch, Bugs Bunny - the rabbit or bunny as a symbol is interesting in the way it combines innocence, vulnerability, agility and eventually violent or tricky content. That is how it is linked to the research about humor: it reflects the ambiguity of an image, symbol, or joke. Let us explore further the archetype of ‘The Trickster’ and later, connect it to the symbology of the rabbit.

 

the Trickster

The archetype of The Trickster is a cross-cultural concept found in mythologies, folklore, and religious traditions around the world. Marilyn Jurich proposes the word Trickstar in her book Scheherazade's Sisters: Trickster Heroines and their stories in world Literature about female Tricksters and breaks down the normative He. I will use both terms equally in the writing, interchanging them. As a pronoun I will refer to they/them. The Trickster archetype embodies a mischievous, cunning, and often unpredictable character who disrupts societal norms, challenges authority, and plays tricks on others. They embody the spirit of rebellion and nonconformity, challenging the status quo and subverting social hierarchies. By defying conventional boundaries, Trickstars expose the limitations of established structures and offer alternative perspectives. This archetype exists in various cultural contexts, taking on different forms and names but sharing similar characteristics. The Trickster archetype is associated with transformation and shape-shifting. They can assume various forms, both physical and metaphysical, blurring the lines between human and animal, divine and mortal. This ability reflects their capacity to adapt to different situations, outmaneuver adversaries, and navigate complex environments; the qualities that unite them come from their personality, not their physical appearance. Trickstars are well known for their scheming minds. Outsmarting one of these characters is said to be next to impossible, but brains aren’t the only weapon in their arsenal. They are masters of disguise. If they had magical abilities, they would probably be fond of shapeshifting from one sneaky form to the next. If they didn’t have magic to lean on, they would probably be skilled at creative costume design. To top it all off, they are dangerously charismatic. Whether they are posing as a funny clown, a fearless hero, a pitiful innocent subject, or a trusted confidant, Tricksters always work out how to worm their way into the hearts of the people they need. Even when doing evil deeds, the Trickster retains a lighthearted sense of humor that endears the audience to them. Sometimes this is an element of danger.

Despite their mischievous nature, Tricksters often serve a didactic role in myths and stories. Through their antics and pranks, they impart moral lessons, challenge societal conventions, and expose hypocrisy. Their actions force individuals and communities to question assumptions, reevaluate beliefs, and learn from the consequences of their own actions.

Trickstar as a shape-shifting spirit, a sacred figure, a mindset through the times, a presence to re-shape cultures, boundaries, a savior in a crisis they themselve created. 

It is a figure acting in moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between so-called dichotomies. The Trickster's presence pushes  boundaries, and thus makes them visible.

 

the Trickster rabbit

From Brer Rabbit to Bugs Bunny, Kalulu, Nanabozho or Jistu - there are examples of rabbit or hare Tricksters in different cultures around the world. They are all witty, clever and trying to outsmart the rules of a community. Still each of the figures has slightly different characteristics. The fears, failures, and unfulfilled ideals of the source culture are projected onto the Trickster as a sort of folkloric scapegoat. They may teach humans the skills of survival, such as how to make fire, procreate, or catch or raise food, usually through negative examples that end with their utter failure to accomplish these tasks. A Trickster's main role is to undermine authority, which makes the Trickster a boundary-crosser. Every group has its edge, its sense of in and out, and the Trickster is always there. They are the mythic embodiment of ambiguity and ambivalence, doubleness and duplicity, contradiction and paradox, writes Lewis Hyde in his paper Trickster makes this world. Mischief, Myth and Art.

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Unlike heroes, Tricksters are usually morally questionable. [...] They may lie, cheat, or steal to get what they want, and their ends don’t justify their means. These slippery characters don’t set out to save the world. They set out to get what they want.

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Comparing the qualities and the dynamics of the Trickstar rabbit archetype with the tactics employed in neo-fascist mobilization and radicalization was a two-directional gesture of opening to a meta-level in order to delve deeper in the scenical and creative work. Looking at both more in detail, we have to make certain distinctions. Both movements have similarities, but definitely are not to be set equal. It is crucial to distinguish between the morally neutral or ambivalent nature of the Trickster archetype and the harmful and destructive nature of neo-fascist ideologies.

1. Deceptive Nature: Both the Trickster archetype and neo-fascist mobilization involve an element of deception. The Trickster employs cunning and intelligence to manipulate situations, while neo-fascist movements may employ disinformation, propaganda, and manipulative tactics to advance their agendas. However, it is crucial to note that the Trickstar's deception is often used to challenge authority or societal norms, while neo-fascist deception is primarily aimed at furthering their extremist ideologies.

2. Boundary Crossing and Rule Breaking: The Trickster archetype often challenges established rules and boundaries. Similarly, neo-fascist mobilization may involve the breaking of societal norms and the rejection of mainstream ideologies, seeking to redefine boundaries and create so-called alternative systems. However, the motivations behind these actions differ significantly, with the Trickster archetype often driven by a desire for change and the neo-fascist movement motivated by ideologies of hate, exclusion, and dominance. Neo-fascist movements dub their ideology as "a desire for change", “freedom of speech” or “self-love”, when really it is hatred. This blurring of lines through euphemisms attracts a lot of people.

3. Ambiguity and Dual Nature: Both the Trickster archetype and neo-fascist mobilization display elements of ambiguity and dual nature. Trickstars often embody contradictory qualities, representing both positive and negative aspects. Similarly, neo-fascist movements can display contradictory messages, blending populist appeals with extremist ideologies. The Trickster is rather about play or blurring the lines, whilst the neo-fascist movements are about the spread of hate.

4. Transformation and Adaptability: Trickstars often possess the ability to transform, shape-shift and adapt to different situations, allowing them to navigate complex environments. Similarly, neo-fascist movements, signs and language demonstrate adaptability, shifting their tactics and strategies to suit ever changing circumstances and aesthetics. While the Trickster's transformation can be a tool for personal growth or social commentary, the transformation within neo-fascist mobilization often serves to promote radicalization, justify oppression, violence and the spread of hateful ideologies.

5. Lessons and Teachings: The Trickster archetype often imparts moral lessons and challenges societal conventions. In contrast, neo-fascist mobilization aims to indoctrinate individuals into extremist ideologies that propagate hate, fear, intolerance, and discrimination. The Trickstar's teachings encourage rather critical thinking and self-reflection, while neo-fascist radicalization seeks to manipulate individuals and create a distorted worldview.

 

 

By analyzing it, while there are parallels between certain qualities of the Trickster archetype and neo-fascist mobilization and radicalization, it is extremely important to approach this comparison with caution. It is essential to make a distinction between the morally neutral or ambivalent nature of the Trickstar archetype and the destructive and potentially deadly agendas of neo-fascist mobilization.

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