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Symbolism of Swastika

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Symbolism of Swastika
11/27/12
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Symbolism of Swastika
Parthasarathy, D. "The NRI Becomes Aggressive: Swastika Controversy and Beyond." Economic and Political Weekly 40.11 (2005): 1018-019. JSTOR. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://http://www.jstor.org/stable/4416327>.
The swastika is originally an aspect of Hindu culture. But in European countries, they still portray the swastika as a symbol of racism and a right wing nationalist force. The Indian media believes that the NRI’s of the west (European countries) are insulting the actual meaning of the swastika. The Indians think that the NRI movement is illiberal and racist people. The Indians want to make a stand and show the European countries that the swastika is not a symbol of discrimination and hatred but more of a symbol of well being.

Schmidt, Natasha. "Reclaiming the Symbol." Index on Censorship 34.2 (2005): 52-53. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/ehost/detail?sid=318ff937-0d91-441e-a120-d14fd2a9c34c%40sessionmgr10&vid=10&hid=27&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=17784050>.
The swastika is commonly known for the Nazi party and the extermination of certain groups of individuals. But this symbol was not originated from Germany. The swastika is ancient symbol. It was used by Egyptians, Native Americans, Chinese, and Indians and each proposed a different meaning of the symbol. For example, in India the swastika was a religious symbol that meant “well being”. Before Hitler’s reign, the swastika was a symbol that had a variety of names from different countries and religions. When Hitler comes to power, he creates his own meaning of the symbol and incorporates the swastika into the National Socialist Party insignia.

Klatch, Rebecca. "Of Meanings & Masters: Political Symbolism & Symbolic Action." Palgrave Macmillan Journals 21 (1988): 137-54. JSTOR. Web. 27 Nov. 2012.

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