There are moves to ban the swastika across the whole of the EU. There are already laws in Germany for a ban, due to its Nazi associations.
To be honest, though it’s ‘only a symbol’ it has such strong associations that I find it offensive in its own right – this doesn’t happen that often over what is, after all, a mix of pigmentation. Indeed, although I am aware that it has a long history, that history has been all but eclipsed by it’s 20th century associations.
Most people, I suspect, have a similar gut reaction to it – they may be surprised to know that in Hinduism it has kept its original meaning, and there is opposition to the ban on this basis. Some people think that the nazis have SO co-opted the symbol that the Hindus should abandon it. I am not at all sure, at the core, just what significance the symbol has in Hinduism, so can’t really comment.
There are, of course, the usual ill informed vox-pops out there.
Additional: I’ve just spotted this insightful comment.
3 Comments
Ill-informed “voice of the people” here. Just reminding the enlightened ones know that I don’t support banning the swastika. And not just because I’m not European.
The general joke here, is that, bang, European anti-American protestors aren’t going to be able to replace the stars in the American flag with swastikas and spray paint swastikas on Jewish cemetaries and get away with it anymore.
That’s funny.
Censorship on the other hand, especially of a shared religious symbol is not funny.
(I can see the point you’re making… however one should be aware that there are many more ways to poke fun at George, a ban on swastikas won’t prevent that! Personally, I find the things offensive, though am unsure about a ban. There’s a lot to be said for not having them banned, if someone wants to wave one about it’s a pretty good sign that they’re not someone I want to know! As for painting swastikas in cemetaries, this is never acceptable, indeed, painting any symbol on a tombstone is an act of vandalism. Anyone caught can be charged now – a change in the law is not needed for that. It’s absolutely disgusting that this happens at all. Whilst here I’d also like to take the time to apologise for the ‘ill informed’ bit, a poor word choice – Murk)
i personally think banning the swastika is wrong. The swastika represents a political beleife. I’ll be it an extremly dangerious one; but one none the less..as such if the countries of eroupe are democracies they must allow such things as swastiks to exist..a democracy can not just opress an idea just becase its found offensive it goes against the suposed right to freedom of speach. I’m not a neo nazi nor am i justifiyng the nazi philosofy…i’m meerly saying poeple who beleive in that stuff have a right to express it.
I was interested to read this discussion on swastikas because I am currently involved in setting up a site called http://www.reclaimtheswastika.com.
The site explores the ancient origins of the swastika as a symbol of spiritual victory.
The symbol was essentially stolen and abused by Hitler during WWII, but I and many others, feel it is a valuable symbol for humanity that deserves to be redeemed.
Please take a look at the site and see what you think…we would welcome your comments.