Help me settle a bet [military, lighthearthed]

A few years back, the Conservative Youth of Finland (youth division of the semi-liberatirian right wing party in Finland) had their biannual meeting, where they make grand manifestos as to waht they want the future of the conservative party to be. Half of it never goes to even discussion, but it's a weatherwane for the future.

In that particular meeting, one representive suggested, that the Finnish Air Force replace their aircraft badge from the current one to their traditional one.

So, I ask you, people of the internet, especially military personel in oother ccoutnries. How great of an idea would that have been?

Um, is this even a question? Pretty terrible.

*Face Palm*

I'm really, really hoping that motion failed?

Yes, it failed. One reason stated was "possible problems with Israel".

I really don't think the traditional one would go over well, but... this is a minor point in comparison, but doesn't the modern one look like a target?

Um, lolwut?

I kinda like the traditional one...it has unfortunate associations with a certain historic group that Israel has a bone to pick with, but...it's more elaborate than a half finished bullseye.

Perhaps add dots inbetween the arms to make it look less like a swastika?

edited 7th Aug '11 2:28:29 PM by Signed

Yeah, as much as it stinks for the traditional Eastern symbol of peace, the Swastika has been co-opted by Those Wacky Nazis to the point where it's taboo to use it for any other purpose (except by Neo-Nazis and their ilk). Definite a motion that should have failed, for cultural sensitivity, if nothing else.

Jethro: Despite the origins of the symbol, it has been forever tainted by actions of the Nazi's in WWII. Outside of very specific uses in certain stories it is a bad thing.

I can see a few situations where it's justified to use as a symbol...cultural insensitivity be damned.

In red, countries that might disapprove of such a change◊.

Both a terrible. The first one makes them look like they want to be shot, the second one is a swastika and I don't think that there would be many who would think of anything else than nazis when they see that.

In my opinion they should just design a new badge.

They're both pretty ugly imo.

From the aesthetical point, I find the swastika to be a wonderful symbol, but its usage by the Nazis left too many bad connotations to consider using it.

This. It's an awesome symbol, that's probably why the Nazis chose it. Too bad it's become associated with all those shenanigans.

Evening ignoring the whole nazi thing I still prefer the first one over the second one.

The traditional one just looks away too busy. the modern one is simpler, smoother, and has an almost IKEA like elegance to it.

The current one just looks like a negative of the RAF roundel.

I would like people to be better educated on Nazi use of the swastika, but I fear it's been irrevocably tainted by association.

edited 8th Aug '11 8:59:15 AM by pagad

That map's inaccurate, Iran would have no problem with it.

And I think it's silly how people want the FAF to use the Swastika. Even if you ignore the Nazi overtones, it doesn't make much sense to take the connotations and meaning originally held by the Swastika and stick it on a fighter aircraft.

Should they slap a peace sign on?

Or a Star of David?

How about a heart?

I vote for Nyam cat.

I vote for a caricature of Mohammad.

Do you have any incidation this suggestion was ever said seriously (i.e., not a joke)?

edited 8th Aug '11 8:19:52 PM by deuxhero

How about a Tardis?

But more seriously, if the country has a national tree, use a leaf from it.

a leaf on the wind...

^ Yeah, that didn't work too well for him in the movie...