Preface: I think the crucifix in the Schnuck's is a bit inappropriate. Not because I'm offended, but it just seems silly for a mainstream, regional grocery chain to be hanging any symbol that may or may not constitute an endorsement of any religious or political viewpoint. It just doesn't seem to be good for business. If Schnuck's was still a mom-and-pop corner market, it wouldn't be unusual, but in this context, it's a bit odd. Although I really could care less if they leave it up.
But comparing the swastika to a crucifix isn't really fair. A Nazi-style swastika, or KKK robes, are unequivocal symbols of violence and hate. Even those who display them admit as much. But a crucifix, or the symbol of any religion for that matter, is not so black-and-white. No matter what your particular attitude towards organized religion is, for a lot of people, religion is an extremely positive force. Even for non-believers. Many religions conduct charitable enterprises that help all kinds of people--even if those they help don't subscribe to their sect or any religion for that matter.
Some people view the American flag as a symbol of a racist, imperialist tyrant hell-bent on world domination. I'm sure its display offends people too (see those who enjoy burning it). But, like a crucifix, it isn't fair to project your own personal hostility to a symbol that is for most people at worst neutral. To put it another way, stating that a crucifix is a "symbol of oppression" because of past crimes of the Catholic Church is like saying that the Stars and Stripes is a symbol of oppression because of our history of slavery, Manifest Destiny, etc. An institution's dark moments shouldn't overshadow its bright spots.
And your statement about "social dominance" is also telling. Would an Islamic symbol offend you? Or perhaps those of an African tribal religion?
Grover wrote:You have a point, but only to a point. If my neighbor is member of the KKK and choses to hang his robe and hood in his window is it OK if I'm offended? What about displaying swastikas? What's missing here is any self-awareness by "people openly, joyously, celebrate their relationship with God in every aspect of their lives" that their symbols and actions may not be seen as benign by others. To many, religion is a symbol of oppression, bigotry and even violence. Religion, and corresponding symbols, are very, very powerful. Those in positions of social dominance really don't get it.
But comparing the swastika to a crucifix isn't really fair. A Nazi-style swastika, or KKK robes, are unequivocal symbols of violence and hate. Even those who display them admit as much. But a crucifix, or the symbol of any religion for that matter, is not so black-and-white. No matter what your particular attitude towards organized religion is, for a lot of people, religion is an extremely positive force. Even for non-believers. Many religions conduct charitable enterprises that help all kinds of people--even if those they help don't subscribe to their sect or any religion for that matter.
Some people view the American flag as a symbol of a racist, imperialist tyrant hell-bent on world domination. I'm sure its display offends people too (see those who enjoy burning it). But, like a crucifix, it isn't fair to project your own personal hostility to a symbol that is for most people at worst neutral. To put it another way, stating that a crucifix is a "symbol of oppression" because of past crimes of the Catholic Church is like saying that the Stars and Stripes is a symbol of oppression because of our history of slavery, Manifest Destiny, etc. An institution's dark moments shouldn't overshadow its bright spots.
And your statement about "social dominance" is also telling. Would an Islamic symbol offend you? Or perhaps those of an African tribal religion?
