Is an iron cross (without the swatzika or any other symbol, just a plain cross) offensive?

Question

When I was in high school, iron cross is not allowed. But I'm not in high school anymore, and I see people wear it all the time. I know it's nothing compare to the swatzika, but is it still offensive for some people?

Answer 1

It is still potentially offensive because it represents a militaristic period in German history from which most Germans (and many others around the world) would like to move forward.

The Iron Cross was not invented by the Nazis, but let's face it ~ Germany in the first half of the 20th century did not exactly cover itself with glory and goodness, did it?

All the greatpotential of the 1800s became screwed up with the mad dreams of Kaiser Wilhelm and later of Hitler, and all the history, culture and beauty Germany had to offer the world was tainted by what came after.

As a person of German descent, an Iron Cross is actually worse in some ways than a swastika. The swastika was something the Nazis stole (from the Hindu people) and turned to their own use, but in the original Hindu meaning it is a wheel of peace and goodness.

All the Iron Cross stands for is that old past that led to the degradation of the once justly proud German nation, when the German people suddenly decided to believe their leaders and try to rule the world.

A mad dream, a sad dream and a dangerous fantasy for which they and millions of others, have paid in more ways than we could imagine, up until the present day.

The fact that people now wear it as a fashion accessory shows that they do not understand its significance, and perhaps, in some ways, that is a good thing. Let that terrible ambition of ruthless power become a plaything for children ~ it deserves no better.

Good luck :-)

Answer 2

Yes it does it was a medal of honor for Nazis and they had it on their planes but it also means other things I think it originated from the crusades. Now certain brands use it but I don't think that diminishes it's offensiveness. It is not to be confused with the general Christian cross which has arms that are not all the same length unlike the iron cross.

Answer 3

Why should it be? I remember a fashion some years ago of crosses made by welding together two crude nails, probably horseshoe nails. If that was not criticized, why should any other cross be criticized? The swastika, of course, is different. Unfortunately, it has been indelibly associated with the Nazis, even though it was originally a Hindu symbol of very positive energy.

Answer 4

I don't think it is. I associate the iron cross with the German military circa 1914 - 1918. The swastika is a symbol of Nazism, even though it is originally a Hindu symbol.

Answer 5

Are you talking about THE IRON CROSS..as seen in the CHOPPER MOTORCYCLE venue or a cross made of iron? Why wear a CROSS as jewelry. Won't you be thought to be a Christian? I see so many folks wearing a cross as jewelry but won't step foot in a church. Makes me go HMMMMM.

Answer 6

possibly, but I would not be wearing it anyway because it was a medal awarded for bravery in the German army, so wearing one is a bit tacky. Would you wear a fake Congressional Medal of Honour when you went out ?

Answer 7

Depends on how easily one is offended. Bikers have had an affinity for that particular symbol since the fifties.

Answer 8

EVERYTHING you think, say, or do will be offensive to someone.....

But here is a great article on the Maltese cross:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_Cross_(symbol)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_patt%C3%A9e

Answer 9

Too bad if it is, just because some people object to something it doesn't mean they can tell other people what to do.

Answer 10

I only find it offensive in that it is SO OVERUSED. It is kitsch rubbish.