How do anarchist feel about comrades who wear iron Cross necklaces?

Question

I am an anarchist who wears an Iron Cross because a I know it is not a Fascist Symbol but a military medal representing bravery and was also used in Weimar republic which was the nost liberal republic and used in Prussia. I am reluctant to reach out to fellow anarchist because I am afraid of being perceived as Fascist to those who ignorant of History. I am also an anarchist that listens powerelectronics  nusic which explores the and critiques the dark side of human nature. Such themes nmay include,murder,rape and political extremes of all kinds from left,Right,anarchist,Nihilist and evcerything in between. I so not support these actions but find the extremity interesting and like the music. Would most anarchist have a problem with me? I even wear some bandshirts with dodgey synbols on them. I am also anti-racist and anti-Fascist,but I am aware when  some artist are just talking about these things just for shock value or just being societal provacateurs.

Comments

the meaning of symbols changes. the swastika used to mean something very different from what it means now. when someone wears a controversial symbol, they are opening up a conversation *today*, here and now, not in a previous time before the symbol gained whatever current notoriety it has.
if the iron cross is important to you (although why an anarchist would give a shit about military commendations is beyond me), then the work that would be appropriate is to reclaim it as a pre-fascist marker, not by wearing it (which is too ambiguous), but by educating people about its origins.
new age people have certainly made that effort re: the swastika. it hasn't gotten very far.
but if it is so important to you, then perhaps that is the most significant thing to be communicating to other people.
if other things you do are interesting, then maybe some people will look beyond the symbols. as lawrence says, you're choosing a difficult road.

this question certainly doesn't make a compelling argument for your anarchist beliefs, so perhaps you *are* actually more interested in  social provocation?

Answer 1

Most people (forget about anarchists for a moment) will not be all that interested in your explanations for your attraction to transgressive symbols. They will see the outward signs of your peculiarity and pounce on that. Is if fair? Probably not. Is it to be expected? Absolutely yes. So if you're comfortable and confident portraying your idiosyncrasies publicly and prominently, then go for it. Just don't be surprised when you're on the receiving end of some righteous ass-kicking -- and not just from anarchists.