Anyone who posts on the Internet should expect the absolute worst. Need respect? Go to an idiotic 12-step meeting of some sort. In the meantime, step up to the plate--the Nolan Ryan of insults is pitching. GET YOUR SWINGS IN!
The swastika is a holy symbol in Hinduism, Jainism, Heathenry and Buddhism. In the West, it is more widely known as symbol of Nazism. The motif seems to have first been used in Neolithic Eurasia. However, it was also adopted in Native American cultures, seemingly independently. The swastika is used universally in religious and civil ceremonies in India. Most Indian temples, weddings, festivals and celebrations are decorated with swastikas. The symbol was introduced to Southeast Asia by Hindu kings and remains an integral part of Balinese Hinduism to this day, and it is a common sight in Indonesia. The symbol also has an ancient history in Europe, appearing on artifacts from pre-Christian European cultures. By the early 20th century it was widely used worldwide and was regarded as a symbol of good luck and auspiciousness. Since its adoption by the National Socialist German Workers Party and Adolf Hitler, the swastika has been associated with fascism, racism (white supremacy), World War II, and the Holocaust in much of the Western world. Before this it had seen a resurgence in recognition from the archaeological work of Heinrich Schliemann, who discovered the symbol in the site of ancient Troy and associated it with the ancient migrations of Indo-European ("Aryan") peoples. He connected it with similar shapes found on ancient pots in Germany, and theorised that the swastika was a "significant religious symbol of our remote ancestors", linking ancient German, Greek and Vedic culture.[1] [2] Nazi use arose from this idea, developing from earlier völkisch movements, for which the swastika was a symbol of "Aryan" identity, a concept that came to be equated by theorists like Alfred Rosenberg with a Nordic master race originating in northern Europe. The swastika remains a core symbol of Neo-Nazi groups, and is also regularly used by activist groups to signify the supposed Nazi-like behaviour of organizations and individuals they oppose.
most that get offended by swastikas are also too closed-minded. most that are offended are looking to be offended. as in previous posts in this thread, pointing left is the negative aspect of a positive symbol, similar to taking a christian cross and hanging it upside down. unfortunately most folks these days aren't observant enough to notice a difference and then jump to conclusions and accusations. i think they need to get their heads out their asses.
