NationStates Jolt Archive

hmmmm i was thinkin would i get kicked off here for puttin dixie as me flag if somebody found it offensive??

hmmmm i was thinkin would i get kicked off here for puttin dixie as me flag if somebody found it offensive??
This goes in moderation, I think. No, you wouldn't be banned.

Who the hell cares?

People can find anything offensive, but it doesn't mean that the object by which they are so offended will be removed.

Personally, I find nothing wrong with the confederate flag, and I know no one (of any race) who does.

I would think the Confederate flag is fine, but the Nazi flag is bannable. Not that you'd go that insanely far....but it just needs to be said.

Ah man, I know this sticky which answers the question but I forgot which one, it had something to do with 1 infinite loop or something like that...

I would think the Confederate flag is fine, but the Nazi flag is bannable. Not that you'd go that insanely far....but it just needs to be said.

I also think putting a camea phone down your pants, taking a picture and using that is bannable. Just a thought.

...the Nazi flag is bannable.

Why is that?

If I, for example, chose to display the Nazi flag on this site, it's not as though it would harm anyone else.

They may be offended by it, but they can also choose to ignore it.

Why is that?

If I, for example, chose to display the Nazi flag on this site, it's not as though it would harm anyone else.

They may be offended by it, but they can also choose to ignore it.

Good point. The swastika was originally a Muslim symbol, not a Nazi one.

However, when they say "Nazi Flag", people mean the full white circle and red background. A swastika is not offensieve.

having problems changing my custom flag, any ideas?

Why is that?

If I, for example, chose to display the Nazi flag on this site, it's not as though it would harm anyone else.

They may be offended by it, but they can also choose to ignore it.
It's the whole PC thing. They go overboard with it sometimes.

They won't even let Hindus use a swastika (which is a sacred symbol to them and predates the Nazi swastika by thousands of years) on their flags. :rolleyes:

It's the whole PC thing. They go overboard with it sometimes.

They won't even let Hindus use a swastika (which is a sacred symbol to them and predates the Nazi swastika by thousands of years) on their flags. :rolleyes:

You sure it's Hindu. I specifically remember it as Muslim. Maybe it's both. Just curious.

You sure it's Hindu.
Yes. Actually, more than just the Hindus used it, but Hindus use it even unto this day.

Do a forum search for "swastika" and you'll see that the Almighty Mods™ have decided that just because the Nazis used the swastika, Hindus have to suffer discrimination here if they use their own symbol...just so nobody gets "offended". :rolleyes:

...Hindus have to suffer discrimination here if they use their own symbol...just so nobody gets "offended". :rolleyes:

That is just ludicrous.
If we removed every item that offended someone, we would have no culture at all.

We really need to stop catering to these people who always complain about the "political correctness" of things. If they don't like something, they can ignore it like the rest of the population.

Yes. Actually, more than just the Hindus used it, but Hindus use it even unto this day.

Do a forum search for "swastika" and you'll see that the Almighty Mods™ have decided that just because the Nazis used the swastika, Hindus have to suffer discrimination here if they use their own symbol...just so nobody gets "offended". :rolleyes:

See also: paradox.

I suppose I have some sympathy for the mods. Who do they cater for; the few of us who know what a swastika really is, or the vast majority who are completly ignorant of the symbol's history.

Why is that?

If I, for example, chose to display the Nazi flag on this site, it's not as though it would harm anyone else.

They may be offended by it, but they can also choose to ignore it.
You can display it on the forum (though not in a racially suggestive way, more of a debating kinda way) but not as your national flag.

The Swastika is/was also a buddhist symbol however it IS banned and thats Max Barrys desiscion so it is NOT for us to ask why. Safe to say asking the mods why its banned will not make you popular among them.

The Swastika is/was also a buddhist symbol however it IS banned and thats Max Barrys desiscion so it is NOT for us to ask why. Safe to say asking the mods why its banned will not make you popular among them.
You're right, we shouldn't question dear Leader.

Safe to say asking the mods why its banned will not make you popular among them.

Then let's hope they don't rear their heads over here.

It was decided that the swastika cannot be used on NS for many reasons. The main one, however, is that it is simply illegal to display this symbol in several countries. It can get you jail time. Basically, its in the interest of staying legit, and not getting of the users or staff in trouble. Yes, its unfair that it has to be this way, but its done in the best interest of everyone who frequents this site.

The Swastika is/was also a buddhist symbol however it IS banned and thats Max Barrys desiscion so it is NOT for us to ask why. Safe to say asking the mods why its banned will not make you popular among them.
Fordern sie nicht die regierung heraus, sonst sie werden zum gulag geschickt. :p

Fordern sie nicht die regierung heraus, sonst sie werden zum gulag geschickt. :pDon't you use that kind of langauge with me young man, now go wash your mouth out with soap.

You're right, we shouldn't question dear Leader.

Question dear Leader all you like. You've just gotta understand that Max Barry is under no obligation whatsoever to listen to you, however convincing your argument for allowing the swastika may be.

Don't you use that kind of langauge with me young man, now go wash your mouth out with soap.
/me throws bars of soap at you

:p

Question dear Leader all you like. You've just gotta understand that Max Barry is under no obligation whatsoever to listen to you, however convincing your argument for allowing the swastika may be.
To clear up the reason why he doesn't have to listen to us:
NationStates is owned by Max Barry. It is private property. It isn't really a 'dear leader' sort of thing, it's a 'this is owned by someone' kind of thing.
At least, that's what I believe has been said in the past.

I really would like to fight for the rights of people who have been using Swastikas thousands of years longer than the Nazi's did...

But I've already made two threads on it. And I was warned for it...

I have said too much...

*goes back into corner*

I really would like to fight for the rights of people who have been using Swastikas thousands of years longer than the Nazi's did...

But I've already made two threads on it. And I was warned for it...

I have said too much...

*goes back into corner*
Hell. I wouldn't be surprised if I wasn't forumbanned for a week because of my comment in German...even though it is in no way specific. :p

Hell. I wouldn't be surprised if I wasn't forumbanned for a week because of my comment in German...even though it is in no way specific. :pYou seem to forget the one thing the simpsons taught us...

"no-one who speaks german can be evil"

Yes. Actually, more than just the Hindus used it, but Hindus use it even unto this day.

Do a forum search for "swastika" and you'll see that the Almighty Mods™ have decided that just because the Nazis used the swastika, Hindus have to suffer discrimination here if they use their own symbol...just so nobody gets "offended". :rolleyes:

Thanks Texpunditistan,

why the "pundit" in the name?

The Hindu symbol of swastika is the SECOND MOST sacred religous symbol. (first is OM)

The term 'Swastika' is a fusion of the two Sanskrit words 'Su' (good) and 'Asati' (to exist), which when combined means 'May Good Prevail'. It is a symbol of good fortune and people in India use to paint it on new homes, new vehicles and machines and pretty much everywhere because it is an auspicious symbol.

A member of my region had to remove his swastika flag after the mods spotted it.

But millions and millions of Hindus still use it oblivious to the ban on swastika by western countries. :p

so pl don't go to India, lest u get offended !!

PS: when I was in grad school in the US, we imported a machine from India and it was installed in the lab. I noticed a group of students standing around it and pointing to something and speaking in hushed voices. Presently, I was asked why it has a swastika. I did not understand then and promptly told them that Indians always paint swastikas in anything new. The looks on their faces was :eek:

If I by any chance become the Prime Minister of India, I would change the Indian flag to a Hindu swastika flag, just to have fun flying it in the UN and embassies in other countries and stuff :p

Thanks Texpunditistan,

why the "pundit" in the name?

The Hindu symbol of swastika is the SECOND MOST sacred religous symbol. (first is OM)

The term 'Swastika' is a fusion of the two Sanskrit words 'Su' (good) and 'Asati' (to exist), which when combined means 'May Good Prevail'. It is a symbol of good fortune and people in India use to paint it on new homes, new vehicles and machines and pretty much everywhere because it is an auspicious symbol.

A member of my region had to remove his swastika flag after the mods spotted it.

But millions and millions of Hindus still use it oblivious to the ban on swastika by western countries. :p

so pl don't go to India, lest u get offended !!

PS: when I was in grad school in the US, we imported a machine from India and it was installed in the lab. I noticed a group of students standing around it and pointing to something and speaking in hushed voices. Presently, I was asked why it has a swastika. I did not understand then and promptly told them that Indians always paint swastikas in anything new. The looks on their faces was :eek:

If I by any chance become the Prime Minister of India, I would change the Indian flag to a Hindu swastika flag, just to have fun. :p


Trust me, I'm not supporting the Swastika because I like India, but because banning it is injustice to over a billion people (the Hindus and the Buddhists). I can't stand injustice...

Of course, that's not to say India isn't injust...

To clear up the reason why he doesn't have to listen to us:
NationStates is owned by Max Barry. It is private property. It isn't really a 'dear leader' sort of thing, it's a 'this is owned by someone' kind of thing.
At least, that's what I believe has been said in the past.
I know, I just wanted to use dear Leader. :(

oh yes because we have SOOO many more hindus here than we have nazi admirers.

its only use is to be provocative or "naughty". the whole hindu/buddhist thing is just sophistry. has there ever BEEN a hindu on NS who tried to use it in his flag and got in trouble for it? (maybe there has, i wouldnt really know)

i assume the confederate flag is OK because max barry is australian not american.

Trust me, I'm not supporting the Swastika because I like India, but because banning it is injustice to over a billion people (the Hindus and the Buddhists). I can't stand injustice...



well the billion Indians (well technically 800 million, since 20% are muslims/sikkhs/christians/Budhists/Jains/Animists/etc) wouldn't even notice. They are quite oblivion to the ban and the status of swastika in the west.

we happily draw the swastika wherever we please.

Although, Indians living in the west (including me) do understand the sensitivity and tend to not display it overtly. I have seen in many houses, they have the swastika drawn inside the house, but not outside during religious festivals.

Of course, that's not to say India isn't injust

which country isn't ? india has a far better record on that than many prominent countries.

has there ever BEEN a hindu on NS who tried to use it in his flag and got in trouble for it? (maybe there has, i wouldnt really know)

i assume the confederate flag is OK because max is australian not american.

YES.

a member "Saffron Tigers" of my region India, had to give up his flag which had the swastika on a saffron background. It is a flag used (from millenia ago to till date) in many parts of India.

He did get pissed off, but had to comply anyway.

YES.

a member "Saffron Tigers" of my region India, had to give up his flag which had the swastika on a saffron background. It is a flag used (from millenia ago to till date) in many parts of India.

He did get pissed off, but had to comply anyway.
do you think he would have been upset if it had been allowed and another 100 or so used it as a nazi hate symbol? is the misuse of a sacred symbol something that pisses hindus off?

Thanks Texpunditistan,

why the "pundit" in the name?
No problem. :)

And I own www.texpundit.com, which is a new blog I'll be starting soon to cover my life as a Texan expatriate in the Washington DC area when I move there on the 20th.

Right now, the domain redirects to my main blog.

which country isn't ? india has a far better record on that than many prominent countries.

Well, besides that unsightly thinger in Kashmir, and their attacks on Bangladesh, and that Sikh Temple thinger, you are right.

Still, that's not without Injustice, eh?

do you think he would have been upset if it had been allowed and another 100 or so used it as a nazi hate symbol? is the misuse of a sacred symbol something that pisses hindus off?
Considering that the Hindu swastika is usually presented as red in color (the color of Lord Ganesh and good luck) and facing the opposite direction as the Nazi swastika, I think it would be pretty easy to differentiate between the two.

Well, besides that unsightly thinger in Kashmir, and their attacks on Bangladesh, and that Sikh Temple thinger, you are right.

Still, that's not without Injustice, eh?
Didn't India and Pakistan just sign a treaty dealing with the distribution of Kashmir between the two countries in order to end the conflict?

do you think he would have been upset if it had been allowed and another 100 or so used it as a nazi hate symbol? is the misuse of a sacred symbol something that pisses hindus off?

well, in his defense, he did have the swastika in the proper hindu manner, not in the nazi orientation and the swastika of his flag did have the four dots in between as used in his area of India.

he was born and brought up in India and I suspect that he wouldn't know about how the swastika is viewed in the west. He was initially shocked at the suggestion that it is a hate symbol.

Well, besides that unsightly thinger in Kashmir, and their attacks on Bangladesh, and that Sikh Temple thinger, you are right.

Still, that's not without Injustice, eh?

u r rite, of course.

India should take the flak for religious inspired cross border terrorism in kashmir and India should take the flak for going to war with pakistan to stop the genocide of bengalis and Indian should take the flak for storming the Golden temple where Khalisthani terrorists were holed up armed to the teeth.

these injustices should be explored and exposed !!

Though hardly blameless, Indian army's record in kashmir is far better than that of the any army posted in areas where there is discontent.

India had to go to war with pakistan on Bangladesh since pakistani army started a genocide which killed nearly 3 million bangladeshis and Indian border states of West Bengal and Assam were inundated with more than 20 million refugees. That is a recognised causus belli.

ironically, the west pakistan army was practicing EUGENICS on the bangladeshis, the same thing that Nazis were doing.

AND, it was pakistan which started the war by attacking the Indian airfields. That is the start of the war. You can't pin "starting the war" on India.

Oh what an injustice by India to dare attack pakistan for conducting genocide on bengalis !

Nations like the US etc have gone to war with the flimsiest pretexts compared to that situation.

Reg the Amritsar Golden temple incident, any country would have done that. Seperatist khalisthani terrorists took refuge in a place of worship and wouldn't come out even when their own religious community asked them to surrender. Golden temple still stands. India's prime minister AND chief of army staff are Sikhs. oh , what an injustice !!

come up with something better.

well, in his defense, he did have the swastika in the proper hindu manner, not in the nazi orientation and the swastika of his flag did have the four dots in between as used in his area of India.

he was born and brought up in India and I suspect that he wouldn't know about how the swastika is viewed in the west. He was initially shocked at the suggestion that it is a hate symbol.
and i hope you dont think i was suggesting that he would use it in any other than a respectful manner

i know that attitudes toward symbols differ from culture to culture. i would, for example, be a bit miffed in the cross turned out to be a big time hate symbol in india since the time of independance and that it would be used as a hateful flag on an international site. that doesnt mean that it would be the same for another "christian" (although i expect that whole KKK cross burning thing does piss off alot of devout christians) or for members of other religions as to their own symbols.

The swastika has been used by tons of cultures, from asian and hindu to muslim to even early christians and native americans. The true form in hindu culture is the mirror image of the nazi version.

I think alot of it comes down to context. In the forums, you can post it under certain circumstances if you explain why, such as explaining the signifigance of something on the flag, etc. or to visually display the difference between all the different versions. If used in a flag, there really isn't a context, and so will be taken offensively. While very few people would be offended by not seeing it, a great many would be offended, as some would take advantage of it. I think that may have something to do with why Mr. Barry has chosen to ban its use

I think the Confederate battle flag is awesome. It looks a lot cooler than our regular one, in my opinion.

http://www.ruffinflag.com/battrec.gif


Versus!

http://www.texacollector.com/us_flag.gif

WHO WILL WIN!? Not Civil War wise, which one looks cooler.

and i hope you dont think i was suggesting that he would use it in any other than a respectful manner

i know that attitudes toward symbols differ from culture to culture. i would, for example, be a bit miffed in the cross turned out to be a big time hate symbol in india since the time of independance and that it would be used as a hateful flag on an international site. that doesnt mean that it would be the same for another "christian" (although i expect that whole KKK cross burning thing does piss off alot of devout christians) or for members of other religions as to their own symbols.

well i thought that, but not anymore after seeing ur post :)

it is actually a very interesting phenomenon. how such a sacred and innocent thing as a swastika can be hijacked by a group and has now come to represent hatred and evil.

Jews from Israel are now a major group of tourists to India, I wonder what would their initial reaction be when they see the dreaded swastika ! :eek:

i also heard from somewhere that christians look at the swastika as a "broken cross" and hence the instinctive negative feelings about it. is it true ?

ADDED LATER: typo corrected.

u r rite, of course.

India should take the flak for religious inspired cross border terrorism in kashmir and India should take the flak for going to war with pakistan to stop the genocide of bengalis and Indian should take the flak for storming the Golden temple where Khalisthani terrorists were holed up armed to the teeth.

these injustices should be explored and exposed !!

Though hardly blameless, Indian army's record in kashmir is far better than that of the any army posted in areas where there is discontent.

India had to go to war with pakistan on Bangladesh since pakistani army started a genocide which killed nearly 3 million bangladeshis and Indian border states of West Bengal and Assam were inundated with more than 20 million refugees. That is a recognised causus belli.

ironically, the west pakistan army was practicing EUGENICS on the bangladeshis, the same thing that Nazis were doing.

AND, it was pakistan which started the war by attacking the Indian airfields. That is the start of the war. You can't pin "starting the war" on India.

Oh what an injustice by India to dare attack pakistan for conducting genocide on bengalis !

Nations like the US etc have gone to war with the flimsiest pretexts compared to that situation.

Reg the Amritsar Golden temple incident, any country would have done that. Seperatist khalisthani terrorists took refuge in a place of worship and wouldn't come out even when their own religious community asked them to surrender. Golden temple still stands. India's prime minister AND chief of army staff are Sikhs. oh , what an injustice !!

come up with something better.

ERr, when I meant Bangladesh I meant when you invaded after you helped it gain independence. India just used Bangladesh as an excuse to attack the Pakistani's, they didn't care for the genocide(I never doubted there was one).

Also, Kashmir is far from the perfect thinger you make it to be. The U.N. told you for more than fifty years to let the Kashmiris vote for what they want. So far, you haven't agreed to. If you are so just, then why don't you be the better country and have the vote, eh?

Also, the BJP doesn't seem very nice. Remember the Babri Mosque(Babri Masjid)? They tore it down and starting weeks of violent massacres of Indian muslims, just because there was a 1/80 chance that the ancient temple of the Birthplace of Rama was there. How just.

(Oh, and sorry for Hijacking the thread).