[img src=\'http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/57124-28.jpg\' border=\'0\' alt=\'user posted image\' /] [img src=\'http://www.cheguevara.itgo.com/images/che-guevara-soviet-union-flag-posterflag-4001883%5B1%5D_(1).jpg\' border=\'0\' alt=\'user posted image\' /]
The juxtapositon of those two flags is intentional. There's an old thread somewhere on this board that touched on the history of the swastika and how it originally symbolised a buch of happy things for different cultures around the globe. It is generally agreed, however, that the symbol has forever become associated with the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
I would argue the same holds true for the hammer and sickle. Originally, this was a symbol of the labour movements of the world. The hammer represented the urban workers, the sickle represented the rural farmers. It imagined, like the socialist movement, that the two would come together and create a better lot for all.
I believe the symbol, like the swastika, has been forever tarnished, though. The crimes against humanity committed by the Soviet Union are equal to those committed by Hitler and the Nazis. The Soviet Regime was a dictatorship just like the Nazi Germany, and both should be remembered for the evil mark they left upon the world. This symbol was plastered on every tank, stamped on every gun, and adorned the uniforms of some of the worst offenders against the basic God-given laws of humanity.
To me, the hammer and sickle will be forever associated with the slaughter of innocents, the oppression of millions, and the brutality of dictatorship. It is unfortunate that a symbol which originally was meant to promote human rights and human gains was stolen in such a manner, but it was stolen nonetheless.
As a Christian, and more importantly a human being, I find both equally disgusting. Anyone care to share your opinions?
(PS - I'm pre-emptively telling Onhell that I respect his beliefs and this post is not meant to offend and I'm sincerely sorry if it does)
The juxtapositon of those two flags is intentional. There's an old thread somewhere on this board that touched on the history of the swastika and how it originally symbolised a buch of happy things for different cultures around the globe. It is generally agreed, however, that the symbol has forever become associated with the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
I would argue the same holds true for the hammer and sickle. Originally, this was a symbol of the labour movements of the world. The hammer represented the urban workers, the sickle represented the rural farmers. It imagined, like the socialist movement, that the two would come together and create a better lot for all.
I believe the symbol, like the swastika, has been forever tarnished, though. The crimes against humanity committed by the Soviet Union are equal to those committed by Hitler and the Nazis. The Soviet Regime was a dictatorship just like the Nazi Germany, and both should be remembered for the evil mark they left upon the world. This symbol was plastered on every tank, stamped on every gun, and adorned the uniforms of some of the worst offenders against the basic God-given laws of humanity.
To me, the hammer and sickle will be forever associated with the slaughter of innocents, the oppression of millions, and the brutality of dictatorship. It is unfortunate that a symbol which originally was meant to promote human rights and human gains was stolen in such a manner, but it was stolen nonetheless.
As a Christian, and more importantly a human being, I find both equally disgusting. Anyone care to share your opinions?
(PS - I'm pre-emptively telling Onhell that I respect his beliefs and this post is not meant to offend and I'm sincerely sorry if it does)
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