You could be forgiven for not knowing that the swastika has been a positive symbol of divinity and prosperity for far longer than it has represented the Third Reich (and now Nazism in general). But German nationalist movements co-opted it over 100 years ago, and then the Nazis’ use of it cemented it. If it shall ever again be regarded innocuously, it won’t be in my lifetime, or probably even those of my children.
And though I’d say the originally positive case for it is weaker, we could also talk about the Confederate battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia. There were certainly many non-racists who once displayed such a flag, whether wearing it, flying it, or otherwise. No more.
I think it’s deeply unfair that the badly intentioned have this power, but they do. And it’s kind of like losing a word (or the proper use of a word): by the time you realize it’s happening, it’s too late. It’s a muzzling as powerful as one explicitly dictated—perhaps more so.
For many years I described myself as an unapologetic American exceptionalist. Typical language of mine, from blog posts, Facebook posts, and such:
The United States remains the greatest country the world has ever known, and remains the world at large’s greatest friend. Her tale is not perfect. It is, however, a story of far greater good than evil. It is a story of liberty; of great things from small things; of empowerment of the oppressed. It is an ongoing story of hope.
For all of America’s problems, where would you rather be?
The United States of America is exceptional. She is mine. I am hers. I am proud.
Happy Independence Day.
I’m so sad to consider today that Trump and his lockstep sycophants are doing quite a job hijacking the outward expressions of American patriotism. I remain a patriot, but I certainly don’t want to be mistaken for someone espousing the bastardized, hateful, dishonest, ignorant lunacy that Trump and his ilk pretend is healthy and honorable love of country.
I used to speak of waiting out Obama. He really did irritate me, but whatever his tendencies, he was at least an intelligent adult. The prospect of waiting out Trump, who is neither of these things, is far graver to consider.
I want to believe the United States is resilient enough to withstand him.