Corrupting Symbols of Freedom

Basically taking a real world symbol of freedom and turning it into a symbol of tyranny in-universe.

I'm sure someone will take offense to it, the question is how many?

If I take the Gadsden Flag and draw something different but still clearly influenced by it, a few Tea Partiers and other American nationalist will call me out on it. But they are more or less Acceptable Targets.

But if I take the Goddess Of Democracy and turn it into the Goddess of Tyranny, I'll incur the wrath of both the one country that hates it and those that hate that country. Both can hurt my reputation if I were to publish and sell.

So what would be your opinion?

edited 5th Jun '11 10:49:54 AM by Worlder

My key question is: what do you want? Tell your story, or appear nice to demographics and their moods? Based on that, you'll be able to easily decide what you want to do. As I have already said in "Tailoring to a Demographic", no matter what you do, you'll eventually end up offending someone, somewhere, sometime, somehow. All that it matters is that you, at most, cut it up until the point where doing anything else would damage your work.

If it's not banned in China, it's not a real book.

Nothing wrong with corrupting symbols in fiction. Do it and don't worry about who'll be offended; chances are, if someone takes offense, you're doing it right.

I'll tell my story.

It just so that I want to elicit this reaction:

"WTF how come the brutality of the red-clad empire are portrayed as badass?!"

"How dare this author twist the Gadsden Flag/Liberty Bell/Raised Fist/Goddess Of Democracy as the symbols of a government that commits such terrible acts!"

"I wouldn't be surprised if this story inspired several real dictators decide to adopt rebel colors out of sheer spite."

Everyone here is appalled.

Unless, you think it is just silly.

I think it is silly as well.

Am I interpreting this the wrong way, or do you actually want to offend people?

edited 6th Jun '11 11:24:46 AM by Leonshade

Well mildly disgusted/in poor taste.

I think I may have exaggerated in that post but yeah just pressing a few buttons trollishly.

edited 6th Jun '11 11:37:42 AM by Worlder