SIR – I am writing regarding your recent article about a ‘Nazi’ flag (September 18)being flown by a gentleman that lives in Hurst Lane, Worcester.
I don’t feel that Mr Allman’s explanation for flying the flag is sufficient. It is true that the swastika symbol was first used in Ancient India to denote peace. However, he hasn’t simply displayed a swastika symbol. The flag itself is clearly Nazi German in origin.
Mr Allman also has his facts wrong. The swastika was a Hindu, rather than a Buddhist symbol. Hinduism is the older religion from which Buddhism was derived.
The gentleman clearly doesn’t know enough about his history to seriously claim to be “educating” people. The swastika used in this context is not an expression of his religious views. I would expect Hindus, Buddhists and, certainly, Jewish people to be particularly offended by what he is displaying from his house.
Furthermore, in the context of the UK leaving the EU, it is worrying that people seem to want to be reminded of the troubled past of our continent, before European Unification brought peace.
What he has done is grossly offensive. His lack of historical knowledge shows that he hasn’t thought the matter through, he is just attempting to draw attention to himself, without any care about who he may upset.
Nicholas Hatton
Bromsgrove
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