--- In [email protected], "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Mostly in the West, and mostly out of ignorance of its significance as a positive spiritual symbol in many Eastern (as well as Native American) cultures. I'm in favor of reclaiming it from Hitler and restore it to its original significance. I don't think he should be accorded the power to have appropriated it to his evil purposes permanently.
A visual referent connotes a set of ideas or beliefÕs held in common by a specific group. To suggest that a symbol, in this case a swastika, has innate spiritual or original significance, positive or otherwise, is to ignore the traditional role of a signifier. A symbols meaning, power and function come from collective understanding and communal agreement. As a symbol, the swastikas use as a spiritual icon is no more valid than its use as a symbol of depravity and genocide. Its significance as a symbol resides in present and accepted meaning. The tan-shirted Caucasians assembled on stage have no firsthand historical reference for a swastika. Their allegiance comes from present day fervor and tribal beliefs. ---------- ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/UlWolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
