Swastikas, Roman Gear, modern reenactment (cont from market)

[Tarbicus]

I took my parents around the BM and they were pretty surprised when I showed them the symbol on a few Roman pieces there and explained about how Hitler essentially hijacked an ancient symbol, etc. Afterwards, we passed an antiquities shop across the road from the BM and I pointed out some nice pieces in the shop, including a swastika brooch.

I don't have a problem with SS re-enactors who probably know a lot more about the reality of the SS than most, and going by their websites won't tolerate the hobby being used for the promotion of politics. But the real public perception is http://theminiaturespage.com/polls/talk ... 609&page=1 and http://www.matakishi.com/news.htm . In truth the Roman legionary was hardly a saint, and I find it a bit curious that we've never, AFAIK, seen a discussion of Roman atrocities (those poor Carthaginians). Has it ever been presented to the public as a topic?

Like Heiko, I've been to real concentration camps (Auschwitz and Birkenau) and it leaves a very lasting impression, so I'd personally never want to wear a swastika on my kit, but that's my choice (and also why I declined my Mum's offer to buy the brooch for my birthday). But until Hitler's ghost is truly laid to rest (which doesn't seem likely for quite some time) I don't see it being particularly acceptable to the general public, especially here in Europe it seems.

Here's what the front pages of the British newspapers look like when a member of the Royal family forgets to engage his brain before a fancy dress party: http://www.adelaideinstitute.org/images ... _Harry.jpg