Why do we allow the alt-right to co-opt words, hand gestures, etc.?

[MadDAsHell]

This Cubs story is ridiculous. The "well these people are using this hand sign for something racist now so let's just let them have it" is the most spineless reaction we can possibly have. I'm black as was nearly every classmate I had and this was absolutely used for the circle game. The very fact that the Cubs banned this guy is legitimizing their stealing this from us and willingly handing power to the white supremacists.

If white supremacists start considering the average handshake a symbol of white power, are we going to let them have that too and ban everyone else from using it?

FUCK THAT.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26703470/cubs-ban-fan-gesture-associated-racism

[euphorb]

1. What Cubs story, please? Link? or some sort of reference?

[kentuck]

2. It's part of their nature.

Just as they are drawn to ridicule and nicknames.

Much of it was created by right-wing radio.

[unblock]

3. the swastika was a symbol of things like sprituality, good luck, success, etc.

until some austrian jerk appropriated it for evil.

it don't see anyone itching to take that symbol back.




it's just the way it works. we need some way to identify them anyway, how are we going to impose a different symbol on them?

[HopeAgain]

4. Should we (and the Cubs) just ignore it?

We can do that, but I don't think it would discourage them from using it. They will start using it in public more frequently if there are no consequences, in my estimation.

[onenote]

5. How do you propose we stop it?

[MadDAsHell]

6. Why do we need to stop it? It was OUR symbol first. nt

[onenote]

7. You suggested we shouldn't "allow" it, which suggests you think there is a way to stop it.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. Who do you mean by "our"?

[TheBlackAdder]

9. If the LGBTQ Community embraced the Gadsden flag, teabaggers would never fly it again.

.

I'm not talking about using a Rainbow version of the flag.



I'm talking about using the original yellow one.



Fly that fucker everywhere the Rainbow Flag flies -- have a hundred flying in each Gay Pride Parade!

The teabaggers would never fly it again for fear of being confused with LGBTQs.

.

[MarvinGardens]

10. I like the Gadsen Flag and am annoyed it became associated with the right wing.

I am all for taking it back.