The Swastika and the Nazis

The analysis of symbols is currently one of the noteworthy interests in anthropology. Yet, one of the most important symbols of mankind is largely ignored. One explanation for that may be that the Nazi connotations brought up by the swastika are so strong that most researchers and scholars feel this infamous symbol either does not deserve to be studied at all or that any effort in that direction will only serve to arouse suspicions of Nazi sympathy on the part of its author. It seems that, after the Nazis misappropriated the swastika and put it to their evil use, they contaminated this symbol forever. They have held the swastika hostage for more than 60 years. The swastika, most people believe, symbolizes Nazism and evil. But the swastika had a long life before Hitler and the Nazis. It has been for centuries a symbol of peace, laughter, joy and good luck. It is one of the oldest symbols of mankind. Its Nazi links are only a minor speck on its very long existence. It is a symbol that deserves a better treatment from history. As graphic designer Henry Dreyfuss put it, "the fact that an ignominious fanatic placed a swastika on his battle flag is insufficient reason for ignoring this symbol's historic significance." The time is ripe to redeem this beautiful and enigmatic symbol and take it from under Nazi control. This book is an effort to redeem this beautiful and enigmatic symbol and take it from under Nazi control. We must bring the swastika back to the illustrious place it deserves among other similar symbols in the long history of mankind.