Tiffany & Co. Swastika?

[MarissaBee]

I live in the Southwest, and I've seen it on old American Indian jewelry... Also, New Mexico State University used to use it as their symbol, and didn't stop using it until the 1960s. In fact, their yearbook was called "The Swastika". It was a symbol they used before the Nazis adopted it, and they continued to use it for some time afterward.

I personally wouldn't wear it, but I don't think it's anything to get upset over. It's just a matter of context. As others have explained, this symbol is still a good symbol in many cultures.

 

[azia]

I don't think you would find many jews (myself included) who would look at that and check to see which way the arms are facing. It is symbolic of the Nazi's and their final solution and as such I would be shocked to see someone blatantly wearing this pin.
Hope i did not offend anyone - jmho.

What gave Jewish people, the Western world, etc. the right to claim this symbol for themselves? Whether it be claiming it as a bad or a good symbol, that is what you are doing when you say that. I can see someone being UPSET by this but so many people are against this symbol being displayed and worn in public but of course, the fact that those who use this symbol in its original intention are seen as insensitive, evil, etc. and that THEIR culture is completely disregarded does not matter at all, right?

Have we not learned from the past that DISCRIMINATION is not a good thing? I find it sad that we have not. That it is a constantly exertion of dominance. Of one culture's importance over another. In order for one culture to feel safe, unoffended, etc. another's must be trampled upon, covered up, censored. It is a disgusting and sad state of affairs.

 

[risingsun]

What gave Jewish people, the Western world, etc. the right to claim this symbol for themselves? Whether it be claiming it as a bad or a good symbol, that is what you are doing when you say that. I can see someone being UPSET by this but so many people are against this symbol being displayed and worn in public but of course, the fact that those who use this symbol in its original intention are seen as insensitive, evil, etc. and that THEIR culture is completely disregarded does not matter at all, right?

Have we not learned from the past that DISCRIMINATION is not a good thing? I find it sad that we have not. That it is a constantly exertion of dominance. Of one culture's importance over another. In order for one culture to feel safe, unoffended, etc. another's must be trampled upon, covered up, censored. It is a disgusting and sad state of affairs.

The Jewish people did not claim the symbol for themselves. The Swastika was the symbol claimed by Nazi Germany and under that symbol over 6 million people were murdered. If you have a problem with this symbol being misused, take it up with the Nazi's, not the their victims. It is a matter of simple decency that the Swastika is not used in public display to honor the deaths of so many innocent souls. It is a "disgusting and sad state of affairs" that people still need to be educated about this matter. There are some things that transcend politcal correctness and I believe that this is one of them.

 

[madamefifi]

The Jewish people did not claim the symbol for themselves. The Swastika was the symbol claimed by Nazi Germany and under that symbol over 6 million people were murdered. If you have a problem with this symbol being misused, take it up with the Nazi's, not the their victims. It is a matter of simple decency that the Swastika is not used in public display to honor the deaths of so many innocent souls. It is a "disgusting and sad state of affairs" that people still need to be educated about this matter. There are some things that transcend politcal correctness and I believe that this is one of them.

Well done! I was a little bit rankled by the post you were responding to, as well. The fact remains that most people, in many different cultures, would see that particular symbol as offensive and evil. I am not ashamed to say that I would make some immediate assumptions about anyone I saw wearing it.

 

[missisa07]

I wouldn't wear the pin, for obvious reasons, my point with my other posts was to show that the swastika didn't originate as a Nazi symbol. It's been around for way longer than that. I do see what you all are saying that for obvious reasons it would be rude for someone to go around wearing it now, but at the same time, the original sign is part of a different culture and has an entirely different meaning all together.

 

[risingsun]

I wouldn't wear the pin, for obvious reasons, my point with my other posts was to show that the swastika didn't originate as a Nazi symbol. It's been around for way longer than that. I do see what you all are saying that for obvious reasons it would be rude for someone to go around wearing it now, but at the same time, the original sign is part of a different culture and has an entirely different meaning all together.

I do understand this, but the symbol has been usurped and perverted by Adolf Hitler and history can do nothing to rewrite this disgraceful chapter in our humanity. People of all cultures should be able to mourn and respect the loss of their fellow human beings through genocide.

 

[Littlesharon]

The Jewish people did not claim the symbol for themselves. The Swastika was the symbol claimed by Nazi Germany and under that symbol over 6 million people were murdered. If you have a problem with this symbol being misused, take it up with the Nazi's, not the their victims. It is a matter of simple decency that the Swastika is not used in public display to honor the deaths of so many innocent souls. It is a "disgusting and sad state of affairs" that people still need to be educated about this matter. There are some things that transcend politcal correctness and I believe that this is one of them.

Right on Rising Sun. You put that much better than I could have!

 

[chaz]

The Jewish people did not claim the symbol for themselves. The Swastika was the symbol claimed by Nazi Germany and under that symbol over 6 million people were murdered. If you have a problem with this symbol being misused, take it up with the Nazi's, not the their victims. It is a matter of simple decency that the Swastika is not used in public display to honor the deaths of so many innocent souls. It is a "disgusting and sad state of affairs" that people still need to be educated about this matter. There are some things that transcend politcal correctness and I believe that this is one of them.

I totally and utterly agree with Risingsun,I have not posted on this thread before,as I knew it would get to be sensitive subject and I can't really add anything too much different than I think its image has had the worse press ever.

When I see one,left or right,I don't know enough culturally to distinguish them properly,but I know I can speak for millions upon millions of people that would instantly recognise that symbol,that it has become such a symbol of hatred first and foremost.

It is one of the biggest tradgedys and the sickest of jokes that this symbol has been irrecovably and perversley damaged for how Hitler choose to use it. As a response to 'how anyone can claim it for themselves' I think that is an incredibly stupid and insensitive remark,I really don't think thats the issue and such an imflamatory comment has no place in this thread. As Risingsun so eloquently put it,some things transcend political correctness,its not a case of discrimination at all,its a case of time not being the great healer in this case,because as its proved as time goes on it is still regarded as one of the most horrendous symbols on the planet thanks to that man with the most sick set of ideas and and morals.As Risingsun said 'take it up with the Nazis'.

And from reading other posts on this thread,it saddens me more deeply than I can say that your symbol has had this most disgusting of historic atrocities attached to it.

 

[margaritaxmix]

Wow. But I agree...while someone may have worn this when it used to be loved, this symbol has come to stand for something that most of us would rather not bring up.

 

[Littlesharon]

I totally and utterly agree with Risingsun,I have not posted on this thread before,as I knew it would get to be sensitive subject and I can't really add anything too much different than I think its image has had the worse press ever.

When I see one,left or right,I don't know enough culturally to distinguish them properly,but I know I can speak for millions upon millions of people that would instantly recognise that symbol,that it has become such a symbol of hatred first and foremost.

It is one of the biggest tradgedys and the sickest of jokes that this symbol has been irrecovably and perversley damaged for how Hitler choose to use it. As a response to 'how anyone can claim it for themselves' I think that is an incredibly stupid and insensitive remark,I really don't think thats the issue and such an imflamatory comment has no place in this thread. As Risingsun so eloquently put it,some things transcend political correctness,its not a case of discrimination at all,its a case of time not being the great healer in this case,because as its proved as time goes on it is still regarded as one of the most horrendous symbols on the planet thanks to that man with the most sick set of ideas and and morals.As Risingsun said 'take it up with the Nazis'.

And from reading other posts on this thread,it saddens me more deeply than I can say that your symbol has had this most disgusting of historic atrocities attached to it.

Chaz, you are so good with words!!!! You really get to the truth of the issue and cut through all the bs straight away!!!

 

[lorihmatthews]

As an aside note, is there any reason to believe/not believe that this piece is authentic? I did a search on the internet and I can't find any info about Tiffany manufacturing these types of pieces.

 

[Littlesharon]

As an aside note, is there any reason to believe/not believe that this piece is authentic? I did a search on the internet and I can't find any info about Tiffany manufacturing these types of pieces.

Actually, you raise a good point. It does seem odd/ unlikely that T. would be involved in something sooo controversial???

 

[californiaCRUSH]

I can understand that. You won't really see Hindus wearing it, per se, but we do have the symbol as part of our religious functions, and it is quite common to see the symbol on doorways and other parts of the house, especially during our holy days (Diwali, etc.). Of all the symbols in the world, since the swastika had to be chosen, at least it was rotated and not left in its original form. It would be even harder for Hindus and others to correct the many misunderstandings that come about from those who don't know the origin of the symbol.

You have no idea how many times I have had to explain what a real swastika is, and how it's different from the twisted and hateful version.

I actually didn't know that, so thank you for letting me know. However, as someone else said I don't think that if someone Jewish saw someone else wearing it they would really think twice about it you know? Although as you said before, Hindus won't be wearing it.

 

[californiaCRUSH]

The Jewish people did not claim the symbol for themselves. The Swastika was the symbol claimed by Nazi Germany and under that symbol over 6 million people were murdered. If you have a problem with this symbol being misused, take it up with the Nazi's, not the their victims. It is a matter of simple decency that the Swastika is not used in public display to honor the deaths of so many innocent souls. It is a "disgusting and sad state of affairs" that people still need to be educated about this matter. There are some things that transcend politcal correctness and I believe that this is one of them.

You're amazing.

 

[claireZk]

The Jewish people did not claim the symbol for themselves. The Swastika was the symbol claimed by Nazi Germany and under that symbol over 6 million people were murdered. If you have a problem with this symbol being misused, take it up with the Nazi's, not the their victims. It is a matter of simple decency that the Swastika is not used in public display to honor the deaths of so many innocent souls. It is a "disgusting and sad state of affairs" that people still need to be educated about this matter. There are some things that transcend politcal correctness and I believe that this is one of them.

^ Well said.
Your response is much more polite than what I was thinking