I think this symbol was used by the Iron Front, which was an antifascist,antimonarchist, anticommunist paramilitary group.
It has been used by anti-fascists since then, without the original anti-communist connotations.
Quoting from this very good website explaining Nazi and anti Nazi symbolism. https://antifascistactionsydney.wordpress.com/2015/07/14/the-visual-database-identifying-of-the-far-right/
“The three arrows represent the symbol of the Iron Front a militant anti fascist underground resistance group that was active in Germany both prior and under the leadership of the Nazis, engaging in acts of sabotage, clashes and armed conflict against the Freikorps, Stalhelm and SA. Traditionally the three arrows represent the striking down of common opponents of the left being capitalism, fascism and the authoritarian left. It has also been interpreted as a symbol of solidarity between Anarchists, Socialists and Communists in common struggle against its opponents.”
I doubt it would be accepted considering the long history in the west of anti Anarchist, Socialist and Communist propaganda. We need a completely new symbol untainted by references to old symbology like the CND symbol. better known as the peace symbol was.
Complicating the issue is that Hitler is somewhat popular in India.
“Stronger Together”
WW 2 is just a chapter of Modern History in our very very expansive History textbooks (which start with Harappa and Mohenjo daro). People who are interested in modern history buy books on the subjects read them. Hence bookstores keep such books.
Hitler is not popular in India, he is barely discussed by anyone. He is just another atrocious historical figure for us, except the fact that he used our culture and really really twisted it around in a way we could never imagine (the whole Aryan thing, Swastika, etc).
This article is an opinion piece, which talks about certain bookstores selling these books and has quotes like “I am comfortable in my Indian Jewish heritage”.
Please note, that Anne Frank is equally “popular” if not more, in India. I think most Literature students have read her diary. So is Schindler’s List, the movie.
I’m happy to be corrected by a better informed local, but I have seen reports that there was a substantial connection between Nazi Germany and some of the more extreme elements of the Indian independence movement in the 1930’s and 40’s, and that some of this influence had persisted in parts of the BJP.
Is this completely mistaken?
There might have been connections during WW 2, Please note, this was at a time when Indian independence fighters would go to any lengths to secure freedom. This was when Britishers could ask for anything from us, hotels had signs “Indians and Dogs not allowed” etc. So no judgement to our fighters who risked their lives just asking for freedom.
BJP stands for “Bharatiya Janta Party” - Party of the Indian People. Their idealogies are based strongly on multiple facets, of which Hindu Nationalism is one.
What you are probably referring to is RSS which is ‘Hindutva’ guided. They at one time openly admired Hitler (then, during WW2; not now, or in recent past) for his army organisation skills and ability to gain momentum so fast. However, they have not done anything AT ALL like what Hitler did. RSS today are individuals who believe in their party philosophy and are typically well trained in Yoga, meditation and collaboration. RSS also has a Muslim wing. Overall, RSS party people are approachable and helpful to anyone they meet irrespective of party and religion affiliation.
“War, Nobby. Huh! What is it good for?” he said.
“Dunno, Sarge. Freeing slaves, maybe?”
“Absol—well, okay.”
“Defending yourself against a totalitarian aggressor?”
“All right, I’ll grant you that, but—”
“Saving civilization from a horde of—”
“It doesn’t do any good in the long run is what I’m saying, Nobby, if you’d listen for five seconds together,” said Fred Colon sharply.
"Yeah, but in the long run, what does, Sarge?”
– Terry Pratchett, Thud!
I’d create a grandfather paradox if I tried to go back in time to kill Hitler.
Not that my grandfather would be dead, but he’d almost certainly be in the wrong country to become my grandfather.
and my favorite:
The real test is whether they are poplar among the same persons.
What if someone went back in time and caused an attempt to kill Hitler to fail?
Does anyone wonder if maybe we’re just demonizing people who also live in our country because we’ve been told to? Like, maybe, not everyone who disagrees with you is a monster? Or maybe, there’s some of us who are monsters? Are these things possible?
Their party defunded Planned Parenthood in Ohio, leaving poor Ohioans at risk of losing the one medical provider they can afford. They couldn’t outlaw abortion so they restricted abortion providers nearly out of existence in most areas. They’ve tried passing laws all across the country to make it so trans people have to drive all the way home to use a restroom.
They rendered the ACA more or less pointless in my state and many others through their control of state legislatures. They conned the Supreme Court into gutting the VRA and then turned around and tried to re-enact the racist voting laws we put a stop to in the civil rights era.
All before the election with only a slight majority in the U.S. congress.
It’s not a simple disagreement if they’ve decided I shouldn’t exist and they’re going to make it less likely that I’ll continue existing.
Maybe the bulk of them are misguided and didn’t really hope for all of the above. I’ll do my best to cut through the slogans wherever I can and make sure the consequences of those positions shine through.
But I’m not giving them a pass on what they’ve actually done.
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