Insensitive or ignorant ?

[CharlieH]

Saw this today and I was amazed, maybe its my age showing, but it crossed my mind was this individual insensitive, ignorant or totally clueless as to what that sign represents to many people.

Whats your view ?

[ratcatcher]

Ignorant.

[theblether]

Hold on, hold on......how about this one tweeted by Richard Barrow yesterday, from a shop in Bangkok

Beat that for crassness.

[ETatBKK]

if he/she dare to drive it into US !!

[homeownership]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

[CharlieH]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

I am well aware of the "age" of the symbol, if you care to read the last few words of my OP it kind of states my point "what that sign represents to many people." Edited September 16, 2013 by CharlieH

[Spoonman]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

I am well aware of the "age" of the symbol, if you care to read the last few words of my OP it kind of states my point .

I read your OP and to me the symbol as illustrated promotes harmony.

[razorramone]

There's a shop in terminal 21 which sells cute hitler t shirts. This topic reminds me I keep meaning to get my photo taken there.

[sustento]

Another swastika thread - is it Monday already?

[StreetCowboy]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

I am well aware of the "age" of the symbol, if you care to read the last few words of my OP it kind of states my point "what that sign represents to many people."

Are you referring to the millions of Indians for whom this is one of their oldest religious symbols.

For all I care, the car was thus painted as a deliberate personal attack on JT. Was it photographed in Pattaya?

SC

[Jingthing]

You'd really have to talk to the person who put that on his car to determine the level of their insensitivity and/or ignorance.

I have decided to not confront Thai people on this stuff. It's a growing trend. I do STARE though.

Most of the stuff I am seeing in Pattaya is EXPLICITLY Nazi/Hitler/even racist stuff.

Edited September 16, 2013 by Jingthing

[homeownership]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

I am well aware of the "age" of the symbol, if you care to read the last few words of my OP it kind of states my point "what that sign represents to many people."

To many people in South and South East Asia it represents harmony, so they are not being ignorant or insensitive. Its not like you saw this car in Berlin, Paris or London. Then the "many people" would be Europeans and your thread would be valid.

They are neither insensitive or ignorant. Did you know that in Saudi Arabia, openly wearing a crucifix is seen as promoting christianity and promoting apostasy which is punishable by "death". Different symbols mean different things to different people. When in Thailand, you have to just accept they don't give a stuff who has used it, to them it is a core symbol of their belief.

[homeownership]

You'd really have to talk to the person who put that on his car to determine the level of their insensitivity and/or ignorance.

I have decided to not confront Thai people on this stuff. It's a growing trend. I do STARE though.

Most of the stuff I am seeing in Pattaya is EXPLICITLY Nazi/Hitler/even racist stuff.

I care to agree with you.

[StreetCowboy]

You'd really have to talk to the person who put that on his car to determine the level of their insensitivity and/or ignorance.

I have decided to not confront Thai people on this stuff. It's a growing trend. I do STARE though.

Most of the stuff I am seeing in Pattaya is EXPLICITLY Nazi/Hitler/even racist stuff.

I'm sure there's plenty of Thais that would take a nationalist socialist view, but I am surprised that they cannot find a more nationally-specific emblem to put their weight behind. I think the "Hitler in a thong" is not intended in sincere adulation.

Although, to be fair, the swastika is more relevant here than in Germany, but unfortunately it's been done before.

SC

[teatree]

If someone wore a Chairman Mao/Stalin/Che Guevara t-shirt you wouldn't bat an eyelid.

Not your fault. You have been trained to have an automatic reaction of revulsion whenever you see a swastika. A bit like in 1984 when there is the minute of hate during which Goldstein's picture is shown.

[StreetCowboy]

If someone wore a Chairman Mao/Stalin/Che Guevara t-shirt you wouldn't bat an eyelid.

Not your fault. You have been trained to have an automatic reaction of revulsion whenever you see a swastika. A bit like in 1984 when there is the minute of hate during which Goldstein's picture is shown.

It's like us with Jimmy H... Jimmy ... J...

I can't say it. That commentator with the big chin

SC

[chickenslegs]

The "Hitler" kettle (USA), The "Hitler" house (South Wales) and the German Premier.

[x0r1987]

if he/she dare to drive it into US !!

I should hope nothing would happen...

Country of free speech and all.. Country that has people screaming on the street at peoples funerals, calling for the death of gay people.... I doubt a Nazi Symbol on a car would really cause much issue....

Recent times have proven the Americans are quite hypocritical though, and uncaring for their 'beliefs'... So, yeah, not much in that country surprises me....

Edited September 16, 2013 by x0r1987

[Stradavarius37]

You'd really have to talk to the person who put that on his car to determine the level of their insensitivity and/or ignorance.

I have decided to not confront Thai people on this stuff. It's a growing trend. I do STARE though.

Most of the stuff I am seeing in Pattaya is EXPLICITLY Nazi/Hitler/even racist stuff.

Because its Pattaya lol

[TheSpade]

If someone wore a Chairman Mao/Stalin/Che Guevara t-shirt you wouldn't bat an eyelid.

Mao or Stalin I would think "idiot".

Che Guevara...no I wouldn't think badly of them.

Che was a freedom fighter who has the best interests of the poor at heart not some scum bag dictator who mistreated people or told them what to think or else.

You sure you aren't confusing Guevara with Castro?

[Mossfinn]

Most of the stuff I am seeing in Pattaya is EXPLICITLY Nazi/Hitler/even racist stuff.

I care to agree with you.

Most of the 'stuff', is Nazi/Hitler orientated, you really need to change where you go, because it is not that common, and I stress your point 'MOST'

[wolf5370]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

I am well aware of the "age" of the symbol, if you care to read the last few words of my OP it kind of states my point .

I read your OP and to me the symbol as illustrated promotes harmony.

So, you are voting "Ignorance" then - as you say, to the owner it is harmony , and s/he is ignorant of the fact that it is offensive to many people (as opposed to knowing but not caring about the offensiveness - insensative). Which is what the OP asked.

[ABCer]

I think it boils down to EDUCATION. In this instance to education in a broader sense.

Just hypothetically speaking, if the not so many people with such offensive, ignorant, insensitive displays like Hitler, swastikas, etc. were confronted by majority - this would make them more educated.

The problem with democracy is it cannot act the same way as these minority groups. Which slowly but surely gives the minorities more power.

In short, - would anyone here spray NAZI over this car? would anyone here throw a stone at the window display with Hitler? Would anyone here be game enough to break a nose of a Hitler T-shirt bearer? I think not.

The same happened before, till it was too late. And let us not single out Germans, Thais, Chinese or Russians. Idiots are found everywhere. And ignorance is not an excuse. Inaction is.

We have been talking about these things ad nauseum. OP, stop phishing or tell us what did you do about this.

Nothing? Than be prepared one day to see not stupid ignorant individuals but 'die erste colonne marchiert'. And guess whose nose will get broken then?

Edited September 17, 2013 by ABCer

[pastafarian]

For the Thai apologists that insist they are using the Hindu symbol...don't be so naive!

[kannot]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis. Quite the opposite in fact.

The Swastika has been used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler took it for his political symbolism.

Dont be offended, it is not intended as an offence and they are not showing ignorance because it means a completely different meaning to them, in their own country, that it does to me and you visiting a country thousands of miles away from where it would be deemed offensive.

Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[5]

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,^[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.^[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[11] He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.^[12] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

I am well aware of the "age" of the symbol, if you care to read the last few words of my OP it kind of states my point .

I read your OP and to me the symbol as illustrated promotes harmony.

So, you are voting "Ignorance" then - as you say, to the owner it is harmony , and s/he is ignorant of the fact that it is offensive to many people (as opposed to knowing but not caring about the offensiveness - insensative). Which is what the OP asked.

I find it highly offensive that people go around telling me as a FACT there is a GOD but I dont say anything about it to them.

[StreetCowboy]

I think it boils down to EDUCATION. In this instance to education in a broader sense.

Just hypothetically speaking, if the not so many people with such offensive, ignorant, insensitive displays like Hitler, swastikas, etc. were confronted by majority - this would make them more educated.

The problem with democracy is it cannot act the same way as these minority groups. Which slowly but surely gives the minorities more power.

In short, - would anyone here spray NAZI over this car? would anyone here throw a stone at the window display with Hitler? Would anyone here be game enough to break a nose of a Hitler T-shirt bearer? I think not.

The same happened before, till it was too late. And let us not single out Germans, Thais, Chinese or Russians. Idiots are found everywhere. And ignorance is not an excuse. Inaction is.

We have been talking about these things ad nauseum. OP, stop phishing or tell us what did you do about this.

Nothing? Than be prepared one day to see not stupid ignorant individuals but 'die erste colonne marchiert'. And guess whose nose will get broken then?

Personally, I don't see Hindu religious symbols as an excuse for street violence.

Sometimes it's not about us.

SC

[wolf5370]

I read your OP and to me the symbol as illustrated promotes harmony.

So, you are voting "Ignorance" then - as you say, to the owner it is harmony , and s/he is ignorant of the fact that it is offensive to many people (as opposed to knowing but not caring about the offensiveness - insensative). Which is what the OP asked.

I find it highly offensive that people go around telling me as a FACT there is a GOD but I dont say anything about it to them.

Erm OK - seems a little over sensitive to take offense at other's belief, but fine - and your point is?

[Spoonman]

Personally, I don't see Hindu religious symbols as an excuse for street violence.

Sometimes it's not about us.

SC

Do you see much Hindu religious symbol related street violence SC ?

[StreetCowboy]

Personally, I don't see Hindu religious symbols as an excuse for street violence.

Sometimes it's not about us.

SC

Do you see much Hindu religious symbol related street violence SC ?

ABCer was advocating it.

[jackr]

It is actually yourself that is showing the ignorance. This symbol has different variations. The one on the side of the car is the following :

This particular version of the Swastika symbolizes Harmony. It is used by Hindus to show their devotion to peace and harmony to all creatures, by devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. A growing religion in Thailand.

Its extremely unlikely that this symbol is being used to show their devotion to the nazis.

There is a very good chance it is the latter. Have you spent much time in Thailand in the last 10 years?