Specifically, it is fascinating that in Germany, laws prevent the usage of Nazi symbology such as the swastika:
Considering the horrific connotations the symbol brings up to some, it may be argued that this law is reasonable. A symbol that has become almost synonymous with racial hatred and genocide really can not be put to good use. (On a personal note, I felt a sense of revulsion in even searching for an image of the swastika - that's how powerful this symbol can be.)
Of course, in the United States, anything and everything goes because the First Amendment has constantly trumped legal challenges. However, this story got me thinking. Should some words and symbols be prohibited because of their implications or message? The United States certainly has an imperfect history, and there have many horrific incidents that can be invoked with one word. For instance, the word "nigger" often brings to mind an era when white supremacy was a law, and blacks were treated in a manner commensurate with a pack animal. Should this mean that the word should be made illegal, in some manner? Or do people think that the German government has gone too far in censuring it's people?
2 comments:
I do not think that any words or symbols should be banned in the U.S. The First Amendment is what makes our country so unique because it is based upon democracy and freedom. I understand the hurtful and possibly damaging connotations certain words and symbols can carry but I think it is the social responsibility of people in our society to censor themselves as oppose to doing it through government regulation. We value our freedom and government censoring of certain words or symbols could start a chain reaction that could begin to diminish our freedom.
I seem to find the symbol for a cigarette more in places that smoking is not allowed than in places it is: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001208.html
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