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Wilson Reid's avatar

Hi Walt. Your excellently written post talks of the banning of "the Nazi Swastika". It is one of many symbols of hate in the world. But it's a very specific thing, in my view. The "Nazi Swastika" as "designed" by Hitler (allegedly) is very specific. A black Swastika, tilted 45 degrees off centre, on a circle of white surrounded by a field of red. But, there are other "non-Nazi" Swastikas in the world used as religious symbols (mainly of good fortune or peace) in India, China, Japan and other countries. And so many "classical" buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s feature extended "Swastika' designs, based on ancient Greek buildings. So, the state government of Victoria (who are looked upon as a bit of a joke by some of my Australian connexions of all political colours) have just guaranteed some lovely income for lawyers by banning "Nazi Swastikas", instead of Swastikas. Many a repeat fee will be earned in the State and Federal courts as defendents argue that their Swastika is not "Nazi". The Victorian Government has clearly shown that a little learning is a dangerous thing. Now, there is no doubt that racist groups in Australia and who exploited Nazi symbolism are a real problem. Violence against immigrants, and even Indigenous Australians, breaks out regularly, and racist language is wide spread (as I know from having lived there). I'm white, protestant and Scots, and even I experienced forms of racism because I was not an Australian. There is a horrid minority there who actively try to poison the paradise that is Australia. A country I love. I hate all forms of extremism. And this extremist and wooly minded response by the Victorian government is well meaning, but totally stupid. Sorry to go in and repeat myself. But the Nazi's will be loving this.

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Dr Maureen Wright's avatar

The swastika symbol does indeed "glorify one of the most hateful ideologies in history". But if we wish to embrace our democratic heritage individual freedom must be maintained. Also, by displaying this odious symbol openly, those of us who do not share the ideology to which it applies will know who to avoid. Closet Nazis are far worse.

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