The swastika originates from the Indus Valley civilization and had briefly been used as a good luck symbol in the West preceding WWII when it was adapted by the Nazi Party. It is a popular misconception that the South Asian symbol always goes counterclockwise although the Nazi Symbol is supposed to be clockwise and at an angle so that the square forms a diamond-like shape. Within South Asia, the symbol is depicted going in either direction and has many variations so the direction of the symbol is not an effective way of discerning them.
This discussion can lead to art history hair-splitting, and the history of these images is a rich one. With just a bit of observation, it is not too difficult to tell which symbols are which and while there is a grey area, that area is extremely small. It is truly a shame that an ancient symbol of good was appropriated by such evil from the rightful owners of the original symbol.
This discussion can lead to art history hair-splitting, and the history of these images is a rich one. With just a bit of observation, it is not too difficult to tell which symbols are which and while there is a grey area, that area is extremely small. It is truly a shame that an ancient symbol of good was appropriated by such evil from the rightful owners of the original symbol.
Niruthi Lingam, Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai India. Click for the blogger that took the photo.
In the photo above, the swastikas are shown going in both directions, mostly clockwise. Now that we've debunked the clockwise vs. counterclockwise issue, let's move on.
While it is true that the symbol is originally Asian in origin, that does not mean that every swastika in Asia is the original. The argument that the symbol is originally Asian is sometimes brought up to justify the use of symbols that are obviously Nazi images. That statement is usually followed by the speaker reveling in their own 'brilliance' thinking that this is a little-known fact. A little knowledge can indeed be a dangerous thing and a complete lack of common sense is downright toxic.
So, let's apply some common sense.
While it is true that the symbol is originally Asian in origin, that does not mean that every swastika in Asia is the original. The argument that the symbol is originally Asian is sometimes brought up to justify the use of symbols that are obviously Nazi images. That statement is usually followed by the speaker reveling in their own 'brilliance' thinking that this is a little-known fact. A little knowledge can indeed be a dangerous thing and a complete lack of common sense is downright toxic.
So, let's apply some common sense.
Seven Star's cigarette cases, Terminal 21, Bangkok, Thailand.
Nazi or Asian?
The first question would be can you see Hitler here? That would make it a Nazi reference.
The first question would be can you see Hitler here? That would make it a Nazi reference.
Thewphaingarm School, Bangkok, Sports Day 2007
Nazi or Asian?
Someone might argue that the swastika is going in the opposite direction from the Nazi one and that therefore it is Asian. It is not. On the left are the letters, "NA," and on the left, "ZI," Which is more than explicit enough to spell it out for us. Also of note is the fact that the group that thought this was a good idea is probably unlikely to be good with historical facts and attention to detail.
Context is the biggest indicator of a symbol's intentions. Saying the symbol is always Asian is a red herring used to distract from context, which is a good indicator of BS. Let's have a look at some of the symbols side by side now.
Someone might argue that the swastika is going in the opposite direction from the Nazi one and that therefore it is Asian. It is not. On the left are the letters, "NA," and on the left, "ZI," Which is more than explicit enough to spell it out for us. Also of note is the fact that the group that thought this was a good idea is probably unlikely to be good with historical facts and attention to detail.
Context is the biggest indicator of a symbol's intentions. Saying the symbol is always Asian is a red herring used to distract from context, which is a good indicator of BS. Let's have a look at some of the symbols side by side now.
From Amazon
Two of the three of the items above are labeled as Nazi or Hindu, so it is easy to tell the intent. The third is a variant on the Nazi flag pictured right above it. Red, white and black were the typical colors used by the Nazis (which we are trying to reclaim with our graphic design) with the white circle around a black swastika surrounded by red.
From Amazon.com
This may just be too easy, as they are labeled once again. Eventually, picture searching will become advanced enough to take a photo and then search to find a label for the image. Until then, we'll have to rely less on Google and more on common sense.
Amazon again, where the global market shops. Click for a listing of the seller's items of the one at the bottom of this page.
Now it's time for a harder one. While the middle image is labeled, the bottom is not. The bottom image has the same coloring and shape motif as the Nazi flag but the seller from Thailand, jirawat cross, pee aood states in the full description, "The word swastika came from the Sanskrit word, meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and things to denote auspiciousness. It is composed of su- meaning "good, well" and asti "to be". Funny thing is that Wikipedia uses that exact same sentence.
This is an example of the kind of denial we are forced to argue against. Plagiarism from Wikipedia does not make this into another symbol. Ignorance does not make this into another symbol. Denial does not make this into another symbol. As Judge Judy says, "Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
This is an example of the kind of denial we are forced to argue against. Plagiarism from Wikipedia does not make this into another symbol. Ignorance does not make this into another symbol. Denial does not make this into another symbol. As Judge Judy says, "Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
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