Media reports that the US Coast Guard plans to stop viewing the swastika as a symbol of hate have sparked outrage in the US. “Washington Post» reports that a new set of guidelines for U.S. Coast Guard personnel includes changes to the classification of certain symbols. The swastika or noose – a symbol of lynching in the US – would only be described as “potentially divisive”. The document was published in mid-November and will come into effect on December 15.
The acting commander of the Coast Guard, Adm. Kevin Lunday, is now clearly conflicted: symbol or Flag with the swastika being banned as a symbol of division or hatred. The phrase “potentially divisive” was not included in the memorandum he signed on Thursday (local time).
Swastika as a clear symbol of hatred
The Washington Post report caused outrage among politicians. “The swastika is one of the most visible symbols of hatred across all of humanity,” said a Democratic congressman interviewed by a reporter. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. Removing the label as a symbol of hate “indicates the possibility of collaboration with these elements,” Ocasio-Cortez continued.
The US Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security headed by Kristi Noem. Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen called on President Donald Trump’s administration to roll back the changes before they take effect. «At a time when anti-Semitism is rampant… United States of America and increasingly around the world, relaxed measures to combat hate crimes not only send the wrong message to our Coast Guard members, but also endanger their safety,” Rosen told The Washington Post.
When asked by the newspaper, U.S. Coast Guard spokeswoman Jennifer Plozai initially said they disagreed with their reporting, but they intended to see changes to the directive. “We will check the language.”
Coast Guard: Symbols are still prohibited
In a statement in He assured the Washington Post that any display, use or promotion of such prohibited symbols within the Coast Guard will continue to be thoroughly investigated and severely punished.
The swastika was the official symbol of National Socialism, and in 1935 it became the symbol of the Nazi state. In Germany, using and displaying a swastika is generally punishable.
According to the new guidelines, the Confederate flag, which critics say glorifies former slave owners in the American South, is simply considered “divisive.” According to Lunday’s note, it is not completely prohibited, but it must not be shown to the public.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251121-930-321038/1
