Godwin's law
Godwin's Law is a law of Usenet named after Mike Godwin concerning Usenet "discussions".
As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.
In modern usage, it applies to all arguments, not just on the internet, and according to Godwin's law the first side to reference the Nazis is generally assumed to have lost the argument. This is since, unless the conversation topic is specifically about these topics, such comparisons and likenings to Hitler or Nazis are usually ludicrous and the arguer is either grasping at straws or being deliberately slanderous.
Liberals become enraged if accused of invoking Godwin's Law and often confuse it with Reductio ad Hitlerum.
Other Laws of Internet Arguments:
Further Reading
- How to post about Nazis and get away with it - the Godwin's Law FAQ
- George Soros Compares President Bush to Nazis