A simple google search of “Holocaust denial” will result in thousands of websites regarding the rejection of the Holocaust, many of them created by amateurs. Amateur websites tend to deny the entirety of the Holocaust, claiming that it was all a Jewish hoax. The video featured on the Holocaust Denial main page exemplifies an amateur claiming that the whole event was a hoax whereas “experts tend to refute certain aspects. The audience most likely to view these types of websites are often individuals with antisemitic ideals who lack skills in critical thinking and interpretation. Moreover, these websites often provide a forum for people to share their own comments regarding Holocaust denial.
Who are the creators of amateur websites on Holocaust denial?
- Outspoken individuals with antisemitic beliefs
- Individuals located in countries with liberal freedom of speech regulations
- Individuals who neglect to analyze argument
Why do these people create Holocaust denial websites?
- Spread antisemitism
- Expose “perceived” lies about the Holocaust
- Deny the entirety of the Holocaust
The amateur websites on Holocaust denial often regurgitate the information and ideas from more academically supported sites on denial. The website, Expel the Parasite, is an example of a Holocaust denial site that aims to disseminate antisemitic ideals by an amateur who lives in Australia, a country with liberal freedom of speech laws. The Committee for Open Debate on the Holocaust allows any person to comment their viewpoint on topics regarding the Holocaust. Many posts are simply the regurgitation of information and ideas from a more scholarly supported source. For example, one discussion provides 50 reasons to deny the Holocaust that is copied from a book.
What is the integrity and format of amateur Holocaust denial websites?
- Little to no integrity
- Strong bias
- Confusing or overwhelming formatting
It is common between amateur websites to provide information and ideas that lack integrity and overwhelm the reader. The website NoDisinfo, is an example of a strongly biased and opinionated denial site using pictures and sarcastic bites to convince the reader that the information discussed is the truth. Similarly, the site thebirdman.org strongly voices antisemitic ideas in a confusing and unprofessional format. There is almost no organization to the site and presents an inconsistent design.
This picture of the site illustrates the dull structure and wordiness, highlighting many commonalities among amateur websites. Moreover, thebirdman.org’s availability is inconsistent as it is accessible one day and not the next. This inconsistency suggests that Holocaust denial is on the margins of the internet. As a group, Holocaust denial sites are represented in this way because of their extreme opinions and lack of integrity.