Let history run its course
If you withdraw existing offensive flags and symbols, they will be replaced by alternative ones. Daesh and Boko Haram have their own flags. The post-nuclear age saw the dawn of the “Ban the Bomb” logo.
These are all signs belonging to history and if people choose to abuse them, how will you stop them?
The Swastika was an ancient sign, which meant prosperity and good luck, and it is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, but it was misused by Hitler and now everyone considers the swastika to be a sign of evil.
So, rather than remove them, educate people as to their origins and their true meaning. But, there is a more serious note to this issue. People are searching for an identity and a sign to show some belonging to a group, a religion, a political entity or a tenet. This is human nature and sadly it is the cause - or excuse - for disagreements and even war. Apart from teaching history, the teaching of tolerance is a necessity as well.
From Mr David Woodward
UAE
A superficial remedy
The real root of political intolerance lies in the minds of the people. It is the minds of the people that have conceived these symbols that, at a certain point, heightened racist sentiments. Since they are a product of people’s minds, their underlying motive, racist or otherwise, will continue to persist and permeate.
For these reasons, it might be best to arrive at symbols based on a unified consensus, as they may not ever be perceived in their original meaning. However, this is only a superficial remedy. The fact remains that true unity can only be achieved through the genuine negation of intolerance.
From Ms Aasha Eapen
Dubai
This serves no purpose!
People have a lot of time to devout to useless things isn’t it? Why can’t we spend more time in being positive, helpful and unselfish instead of getting into a feud, argument or debate that serves no purpose?
From Mr Ajit Lamba
Dubai
Similar, dangerous dilemma
I don’t think that’s a fair statement because the issue of racism and its existence in the government is a very big deal. To compare, many people are worried in India about the secularism of their state and the arguably growing intolerance to minority religions that runs deep in the federal governing party. How is that any different from intolerance to racial minorities that, similarly, runs deep in both federal and state level politics?
From Mr Mohammad Mirza
Abu Dhabi
Taking pride in Southern Cross
As an Australian expatriate I was very surprised to read the Facebook debate referencing the Southern Cross as a symbol on our national flag to some means white supremacy and racism. If this is so, I am totally unaware of it, both as an Australian and as a history teacher. My unawareness does not mean that this statement is incorrect but, like most Australians, we have pride in the flag. The four main stars refer to four moral virtues: justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude.
From Ms Em Dodds
UAE
Take it back!
I have spent a lot of time in the last few years in Australia. I have been told on more than one occasion that the Southern Cross has been taken on as a negative symbol in some circles. It is a shame, but I feel it should not tarnish the original symbolism.
The confederate flag is a cherished symbol to many Southerners in the US who lost much during the Civil War. It is part of their heritage. Should that be taken away from them just because of a few racist, hateful people have adopted it as a symbol?
From Ms Cathy W.
Punta Gorda, US
Too many connotations
The US confederate flag was made for the confederate army – its entire meaning holds a premise in preserving slavery. I understand that the confederate flag does represent the hardships that the Civil War brought on these particular states and its people. The American Civil War left these states in quite a bit of poverty and searching for a new sustainable industry with the abolishment of slavery.
Unfortunately, it is used all too frequently to represent racial discrimination towards African Americans.
After the church shooting, the South Carolinian state house didn’t even lower the confederate flag! Their reason being was that it was permanently fixed to the poll. It’s offensive enough not to draw down a flag after death, let alone not draw down the confederate flag after such an ordeal. Did the event really mean so little to the governing body?
From Ms Lili Maria
Dubai
A new flag needed
All symbols are liable to multiple interpretations, but the US Confederate flag is unique in its power and ability to inflame passions on all sides. The volume of interpretations and preconceptions about it makes it unique as it means several things depending on who is looking at it.
For Southerner’s the flag was primarily used for commemorative purposes, but from the perspective of African Americans, the history and heritage attached to it is of suppression and white supremacy and they are still traumatised when they see the flag. The South is changing and needs a new emblem to reflect its changing character keeping everyone’s sentiments in mind.
From Ms Shivani Singh
UAE
A permanent symbol
Flags are the identity of a nation. Flags convey national pride. Disrespect to a national flag is a crime in almost every country. Similarly, all flags represent some values and beliefs. They need to be treated sanctimoniously. Others should show tolerance towards every flag, which represents a section of people.
The sporadic incidents involving intolerance by some erratic individuals should not dilute the significance of any flag. A flag is a permanent symbol of identity. It is timeless. So, the question of changing or replacing a flag does not rise unless the need has come from the same people for genuine and non-violent purposes.
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
UAE
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