Last week I commented on Prince Harry's costume selection, that being a German WWII uniform with an arm swastika. I, and many others, noted how stupid it was of the prince to choose this costume. The photo of the prince has caused such a stir that now the European Union is taking under consideration a proposal to ban and make illegal the use of the swastika in its member countries.
That would be a mistake.
Many experts agree that the swastika has become a universal symbol of hatred (not just to promote Neo-Nazi beliefs). In fact, many argue the swastika has become the generic symbol for hate.
It's hard to believe the swastika could have any more symbolism than it already has, but if it were to be banned it would gain even more of a "voice" for hatred. Indeed, we would begin seeing more of it, and because of the danger of legal repercussions it would only gain more power as a symbol, and I think most of us agree that it already has enough power.
A ban would give it renewed and heightened significance and provide a two-pronged attack -- what it means historically and what it means now.
3 comments:
I agree -- we shouldn't ban the swastika. How else will we know who's crazy and hateful? It's a great identifying mark...
Europeans have a very different idea of freedom of speech than we americans do. It seems self-observant to you and me that prohibition of an idea or symbol only gives it power and magnetism.
There's a reason that the "fringe" in america never really gets anywhere. They can complain and proselytize and do whatever they want. In the words of one of my favorite movie characters: "I hate Illinois Nazis". But they have the right to gather and protest, and that takes away their power!
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I posted a thing I found on the history of the swastika, which is interesting!
http://chandirasblog.blogspot.com/2005/01/history-of-swastika.html
Drop by and take a read! I don't see how they can ban a holy Hindu symbol.
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