FLAGS & SYMBOLS
DATABASES
Participate in the Community Hate-Watch Project
by learning what to look for - and - when you
witness symbols of hate and discrimination
file a report using the on-line form
located on the Community Watch page.
FLAGS & BANNERS
HAVE YOU SEEN THE GADSDEN FLAG OR THE CONFEDERATE FLAG IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
IF SO, TAKE A PHOTO AND SEND TO HATE-WATCH REPORT
GADSDEN FLAG
1776 Relic - or - White-Supremacist Symbol ?
The "Don't Tread on Me" flag is a traditional and historical patriotic flag dating back to 1775. Because it is now often flown alongside the Confederate battle flag and other white-supremacist flags, some now see the Gadsden Flag as a symbol of intolerance and hate – or white supremacism.
At its core, the flag is a simple warning - but to whom, and from whom, has clearly changed. Gone is the original intent to unite the states to fight an outside oppressor. Instead, for those who fly it today, the government is the oppressor.
BETSY ROSS FLAG
another 1776 Relic - or - White-Supremacist Symbol ?
...co-opted by some white supremacist groups to idolize a time when women and people of color had no power. Shown here (left), the Betsy Ross Flag has been modified by the III percenters as the Nyberg Three Percent Flag.
Flags seen throughout the sea of insurrectionists on January 6th symbolize their support for far-right causes, white supremacy and anti-government militias.
BLACK USA FLAGS
The "Black Stars & Stripes Flag" - whether All Black (left-top), Black & White (left-bottom), or Black & Grey - is regarded as being different from the now well known "Thin-Blue-Line Flag" with its black and white stripes and a single blue stripe (see the next box, below, about this flag).
The black American flag first appeared during the American Civil War. Confederate soldiers flew the black flag to symbolize the opposite of the white flag of surrender. The black flag meant that the unit would not give in nor surrender and that enemy combatants would be killed.
Black Stars & Stripes flags have taken on different meanings in recent American history… yet there is not one set definition for what they represent. Some see these flags as substitutes for the Confederate Battle Flag as the symbol of white supremacy.
NOTE: THE THIN-BLUE-LINE FLAG IS NOT DEEMED TO BE AN "EXTREMIST" FLAG
THIN BLUE LINE
While the symbolism of the black Stars & Stripes flags (see box immediately above) is not universally understood... the black & white Stars & Stripes flag with a "Thin Blue Line" is seen by most to signify support for law enforcement.
To those who display this flag it is an acknowledgment that police officers work in a dangerous profession and - even more - it is in recognition of those who have died in the line of duty.
This controversial version of the U.S. flag has been hailed as a sign of police solidarity and criticized as a symbol of white supremacy. Whichever, at rallies throughout the country - and at the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol - one symbol keeps showing up: a black-and-white American flag with one blue stripe.
SYMBOLS
NORDIC RUNES
National Socialists (NSDAP/Nazi) adopted the Othala (Odal) Rune in the 1930's to reconstruct a mythic Aryan past... neo-Nazis and other white supremacists have been using this symbol in place of the swastika for several years.
The main stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (February 25–28, 2021) was the shape of an othala rune.
Swastika or Hakenkreuz
Swastika - a Sanskrit word - 卐 (clockwise) or 卍 (counterclockwise) is an ancient religious symbol of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cultures... a symbol of spirituality and peace.
Hakenkreuz - a German word (hooked-cross) - is the clockwise form co-opted by the Nazi Party - and titled 45 degrees - to symbolize nationalistic pride and white supremacy.
Many see both 卐 or 卍 as the most recognized hate symbol...with NYS considering a ban on the Nazi form of the symbol.
For others it remains a religious symbol...
learn about the interfaith Swastika Education & Awareness Campaign.
CELTIC CROSS
The Celtic Cross is an ancient and revered Christian symbol typically not associated with extremism. However, it was used by Nazis in Norway in the 1930's and 1940's and one particular version - an equal-armed cross with a thick circle intersecting with it - has become one of the most popular white supremacist symbols... it is also the logo of Stormfront, a far-right, neo-Nazi internet forum.
OK HAND
GESTURE
...co-opted by members of the far-right and white supremacists who recast the symbol to mean “white power”. The gesture has become an extremist meme, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
IN THE NEWS
Decoding extremist symbols at insurrection - January 11, 2021
CNN - The pictures tell part of the story of the beliefs of some of those who chose to show up on that day -- from passionate and peaceful Trump supporters to extremists who showed their hate with their symbols as well as their actions. Many commenters in far-right forums have written since the attack, that this is just the beginning of that civil war that many of them have long desired..
Slogans & memes used by white supremacists - December 15, 2019
NEW YORK TIMES - Hate symbols have long historical roots, including the white hoods and the cross burnings of the Ku Klux Klan that were meant to convey both menace and power. As with most aspects of the internet age, however, these insignia now emerge at an accelerated pace and reach a far wider audience.
DATABASES
ADL HATE-SYMBOL DATABASE
HATE ON DISPLAY - This database provides an overview of many of the symbols most frequently used by a variety of white supremacist groups and movements, as well as some other types of hate groups - showing them as extremists actually use them: on signs and clothing, graffiti and jewelry, and even on their own bodies as tattoos and brands.
The full listings can be accessed at adl.org/hate-symbols