Principal calls for ‘inclusivity’ of cultural symbolism after swastika found in elementary school: ‘Most warped version of inclusion’

NY Post ^ | 10/02/2024 | Natalie O'Neill

[BenLurkin]

Heather Snookal of Phantom Lake Elementary in Bellevue first sent out a text Monday alerting parents that a painted swastika — which she initially called a “symbol of hate” — was found by a fifth-grader on a a campus wall, according to KOMO News and other sources.

But a few hours later — after apparently getting a complaint from a parent — she sent out a follow-up email apologizing and walking back her condemnation of the symbol.

“In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other ancient cultures, the swastika is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and good fortune. We recognize that for many of our families, this symbol has a positive and spiritual meaning, completely unrelated to the hateful associations it took on in more recent history,” she wrote in the tone-deaf letter.

[Irenic]

Can a cross be painted on the wall?

[BenLurkin]

Just looking at that guy’s g-string is painful.

[Mr. K]

Determined to be a hoax in 5...4..3...2..

As Ann Coulter first said [paraphrasing] “There is not a rash of race-hate incidents, there is a rash of race-hate HOAXES”

[Chode]

*

[Angelino97]

In some ancient cultures the swastika represents the sun. It’s been called the solar wheel. Rather than peace or evil, the swastika can mean sunset or sunrise, depending on whether its rotation is clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[Angelino97]

Not only is it popular in Buddhism, but it is also used in Hinduism and Jainism.

Variations on the swastika have also been used by Native American tribes, and by ancient Slavic tribes.

I've also heard it referred to as Thor's Hammer in the runic alphabet. The swastika represents the hammer, twirling toward its destination after being flung by Thor.