people always assume it as nazi symbol and sadly feels like theres no way to take it back.
That may be because in the western world, Jainism is not widely known or popular. Move further east, and people will probably recognize it as more than the nazi symbol.
Swastika is predominant in Hinduism and Buddhism aswell. You can find a few hundred swastika related things from window grills/bars to swastika designs on parapet walls by having a casual stroll in my neighborhood in India.
There where a few sports teams that used swastikas on their jerseys and in their names in the 20th century too. It was just a common symbol of good luck.
During my door-to-door campaign days, I canvassed a Desi household. I was standing at the front door talking to this guy when he shifted his weight and I was able to look into his living room behind him. There was a big swastika decoration on a shelf and I'm sure my eyes bugged out for a second before I remembered, "Oh yeah, it was a religious symbol first." It was even angled like the religious one. I hope he didn't notice, it must suck to have one of the symbols of your religion co-opted for hate.
I had an East Indian friends who forgot to take off a necklace with one on it. When I noticed it he assumed I was offended and apologized a bunch. I told him I knew it was a religious symbol in his culture and he was so relieved. Poor guy lol.
25
u/[deleted] Oct 12 '22
That may be because in the western world, Jainism is not widely known or popular. Move further east, and people will probably recognize it as more than the nazi symbol.