Personally when I see a symbol I automatically associate it with a person/place/action. When I see a cross I think of christianity and crusades, when I see the byz banner I think of Byzantium, when I see a mirrored cute puppy... well... i dont think 'what a nice indian/pagan symbol that is'. Some symbols are just more offensive than others and this particular one is universally associated with nzis (who, even today, are pretty offensive).
I would like to know why some of you are so passionate about defending that banner. Is it the freedom of expression, the symbols meaning to you personally or because you are friends with the people using it?
It's reality to associate pictures with things, and it's absolutely normal. Everyone associates pictures with concepts, and the swasitka will ALWAYS be associated with na-zis in the eyes of an american or an european person. I'd actually like to ask, since we're all from America or Europe, what is wrong with you if a cute puppy does
not bother you? That's not cool and that's not very moral. Alright, I don't want to sound like a christian etiquettewhore.
But in my opinion, support of NSDAP-ism is not acceptable nor any symbolism associated with it
in purpose. It's all about what's good in the eyes of the society and what's not. Christian cross is seen as good despite all the things that sign has caused, well, tough luck. NSDAP swasitka is recognized as a bad sign because of all those concentration camps, jew slaughter etc. Christian crusades were not nearly as gruesome, and they happened a long time ago so people have forgotten them. Not all maybe, a lot of people still hold grudge, but in the West christianity is largely viewed as neutral or good.
And Khorin, the symbol will always be associated with those people. It doesn't matter what SHOULD be - the reality is that most of Europe is afraid and hateful of that sign, so we should not use it. You can be as tolerant as you want, but please do take other people into consideration too. Manners, again. Simply communication and interaction with other people. It requires you to be mindful of some of the norms of our society... and that includes this.