Back in the day, when men were men and woman were woman, Cartoons serve to teach kids the reality of life. It was simpler then and those lessons stuck with us.
Sometimes, many your best friend is your Quisling.
What is a quisling
A quisling is a traitor, especially someone who collaborates with an enemy occupying their country. The term comes from Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II, helping the Nazis take over Norway in 1940. His name became synonymous with treachery and betrayal.
It’s often used to describe someone who betrays their own people for personal gain or power.
The term quisling has a strong historical and political connotation, referring to someone who actively collaborates with an occupying force or betrays their country. It originated from Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian fascist leader who led a puppet government under Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, he was tried for treason and executed in 1945.
Broader Uses of “Quisling”
Since then, quisling has been used more generally to describe:
- Political Traitors: Leaders or officials who align themselves with foreign powers at the expense of their own people.
- Corporate or Organizational Turncoats: Employees or executives who betray their company or organization for personal gain.
- Social or Ideological Betrayers: Individuals who switch sides in a conflict, often for self-serving reasons.
Examples in Context:
- World War II Collaborators: Many governments or individuals who cooperated with the Axis powers—such as the Vichy regime in France—were labeled quislings.
- Cold War Politics: Some politicians or spies who defected to rival nations were called quislings.
- Modern Usage: The term is still used today to describe people seen as betraying their nation, ideology, or cause for personal gain.
The word is always derogatory and implies a deep level of betrayal, often with lasting consequences.
EXTRA CREDIT
In the June 14, 1966, Peanuts comic strip, Lucy calls Charlie Brown a “quisling.” In this strip, Lucy accuses Charlie Brown of being a traitor, using the term “quisling” to emphasize her point. This reflects Lucy’s often antagonistic behavior towards Charlie Brown, as she frequently mocks and belittles him.
Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was known for incorporating sophisticated language and historical references into his work, making the strip appealing to both children and adults. The use of the term “quisling” is an example of this practice.
I got to remember to talk about this one…
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