Being a member of Janism, I have the fylfot tattooed on my shoulder. Almost EVERYONE I come across associates it with the Nazi Third Reich symbol and thinks I'm a all about white supremacy. I now come to regret ever getting this tattoo? Why are people so un-educated that the Nazis actually took over that symbol from Hindus and it's not only about hate?
2007-10-25 16:04:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
It's half and half ... You have to have the knowledge of what the original sign means to know which it is when seeing it. I know the difference but that doesn't mean most people will. Plus, I think you should have thought about the placement of something that could be misleading to those that don't give a damn about knowing and like to judge. It is your body but if you regret it then a little more thought might have prevented that. I'm not trying to be rude so sorry if that came off that way. What it boils down to is that most people don't know about the history behind what the sign looks like depending on direction, if someone wants to know why you got that they will ask and you can inform them that it's a Hindu symbol not the Swastika, other wise ignore them because it is their ignorance for not having the guts to ask you. Don't let anyone make you regret a tattoo, it's your body and was your choice. The uneducated are generally very ignorant and jump to assumptions without trying to find out anything more.
2007-10-25 18:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by ~Les~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are ignorant about a lot of things. And since that's all the majority of people have ever seen that symbol associated with, then that's what they'll assume when they see your tattoo. Everybody has things they're ignorant about, simply because we don't educate ourselves in every single thing.
And yes the nazi's may have used an already existing symbol, but the fact is, they used that symbol, so now that symbol not only represents it's Hindu meaning, but also the meaning the Nazi's gave it. You make not like that, but that's not going to change.
In all fairness though, you knew this when getting the tattoo, so you must have realised that is what people would assume when they saw it.
You can either have it removed/covered, or try to educate those who are showing ignorance to it by explaining it's meaning to them when they associate it with the nazi's.
2007-10-26 08:34:43 · answer #2 · answered by Ly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, considering it was displayed very often in propaganda (both American and German propaganda) people naturally associated the swastika with Hitler, and well, when looking at Hitler, people are almost always going to hate anything associated with him (save the neo-nazis i suppose). The thing is, when children are taught about Hitler, his genocide and WWII, they see the Swastika with him, so they assume that it was just "his symbol," and never really give it another thought. Only those who really become interested in this era may realize the Swastika's original meaning, because like all symbols, they can be interpreted differnet ways.
2007-10-25 23:11:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
People don't know of the Hindu roots because nothing world wide occured that was associated with that symbol. That, and what is connected with the Swastika was bad so it will stick in people's brains more.
2007-10-25 23:09:05 · answer #4 · answered by Curtysaurus Rex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I agree. The thing is, History tainted that symbol as a derogatory icon. So even if it was an innocent symbol before, it isnt now. For example, certain names such as Osama, which means Lion-like, it has no bad meaning to it at all. Actually, its a nie name. But the thing is, History presented that the name Osama is labeled as a derogatory name.
So certain icons, symbols, and names can create an impact towards society if we give it a bad name. I hope this helps.
2007-10-25 23:12:21 · answer #5 · answered by Nilo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right. It meant luck, which the Nazi's co-opted. Rather than a symbol of Nazism, it was used as a symbol of Aryanism. It was from the superiority complex that grew out of that, that the swastika was associated to nazism.
...Of course, one could make the argument that you were ignorant of the full meaning of the swastika in modern times.
2007-10-25 23:06:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is what they learned as the preponderant symbol - it is ignorance, but in the sense of not knowing anything else. We do some fylfot tatttooing and I have to say that I was not completely aware of it myself until I got into discussion about it with one of the artists.
People just need to learn - teach us.
2007-10-25 23:15:01 · answer #7 · answered by tatt_bratt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why? Because people have learned to look the other way when a dieing man kneels at their feet. These people have locked themselves inside their own ignorant prison. Learning of the existence other view or ways of life is damning their soul. Knowledge is Power but Ignorance is bliss. Bliss is the world we live in. Power is what we fight for. People like to think they know everything and judge you for your actual knowledge of it. F*#k em. Don't regret because of others idiot ideas.
2007-10-25 23:48:03 · answer #8 · answered by Lizard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as ppl see a swastika they will ALWAYS immediately associate it with the Nazi;s.....and unfortunately will live in a cruel world wher ppl will make judgments from first impressions.....If ur happy with ur tattoo then ignore everyone else, its ur body! If they have a problem give them an even bigger one to worry bout...by punching them lol
2007-10-26 05:02:08 · answer #9 · answered by miserygutz 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you know what they say,ignorance is bliss.
2007-10-25 23:07:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋