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whatisthat W
whatisthat Sep 29, 2006 17:33:09
Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:
This is not a question of 'going on about nicknames' it is a question of the offence the word 'swastika' causes to others on this Forum and the disruption it generated a year or so ago (before you started posting here if I believe). If I may quote you from above, "A two second glance at Swastika Girl's profile and postings would have divested you of this notion." I suggest you take a slightly longer glance at the posts made here by Mike Croley - you may find they divest you of the notion that the word swastika does not cause offence here.

You may wish to continue this debate, I for one am not going to be drawn into another fruitless exchange over a word that has caused such misery and fear and, in the end, propagates nothing other than negativism.

Then say it out loud, Littlestone - 'I don't like the word'. Nigel said it. Better that way than assume the voice of the community. I'm sure SwastikaGirl would change her nick if even one or two people didn't like it by expressing their 'personal' view.

C CianMcLiam
CianMcLiam Sep 29, 2006 18:03:13
Replying to whatisthat

whatisthat wrote:
Then say it out loud, Littlestone - 'I don't like the word'. Nigel said it. Better that way than assume the voice of the community. I'm sure SwastikaGirl would change her nick if even one or two people didn't like it by expressing their 'personal' view.
I have to say I don't like the word, wouldn't try and deter anyone from using it or expressing their love for its form/concept/kewlness/chip-on-shoulder-ammo-ness or whatever your havin yourself. But... I do have a right to draw inferences about the person using it for whatever reason they claim. Its not even a right, its downright human nature and a person using it (on this side of sanity) can only be very much aware that this particular symbol/word/concept has extremely strong popular connotations and must have made a decision, after taking that on-board, that they would use it anyway in this context. Does that tell you something further about the person? We have to decide as individuals I suppose.

Maybe its not my place to be openly judgemental on this but, even if its unsaid, if that's what you choose to represent yourself with you cannot possibly be unaware that it is in the popular magination a symbol of inhumanity, genocide, and oppresiveness. You cant just expect people to overlook that minor detail and cry foul when judged. Especially if you list as one of your dislikes: 'victims'. Whatever that is supposed to say about a person, I just dont know exactly.

Words had meanings in the past, and they have meanings now. The changes are almost always organic, they aren't officially re-assigned by dictionary publishers. If your politician/friend/familly member told you they were 'gay', wouldn't you feel cynically misled if they afterwards insisted they just meant they were happy?

I'm all in favour of people using whatever words/symbols they want but they have to accept any other stigma/baggage that goes with it if its a concious choice to represent themselves in this way.