An article was published in the San Francisco Chronicle about GM’s involvement in Nazi Germany.

James D. Mooney thrust his arm diagonally, watching its reflection in his hotel suite mirror. Not quite right. He tried once again. Still not right. Was it too stiff? Too slanted? Should his palm stretch perpendicular to the ceiling; should his arm bend at a severe angle? Or should the entire limb extend straight from shoulder to fingertips? Should his sieg heil project enthusiasm or declare obedience? Never mind, it was afternoon. Time to go see Hitler.

Read the rest of the article here.

Is this historical account of GM’s involvement in highly questionable activities still relevant to the social impacts of the company that exists today? I say, “perhaps a little.” Perhaps not many will find this important, in terms of GM’s social impact… but it will have some residual negative impact, which can be made up by doing a little extra work for the community, or making some environmental changes aimed to make a postive impact, etc.