Offensive avatars

[JimWhoKnew]

So swastika avatars are acceptable on PF now?

(I thought of using the "report" option, but I want others to see)

 

[Ibix]

Isn't it just a stylised X? The user's name begins with X, I'm pretty sure the "blades" are pointing the wrong way for the Nazi symbol, and it's not four-fold rotationally symmetric (I don't think it's even two-fold symmetric, although that might be the rainbow background messing with my distance estimation).

PF has removed politically sensitive avatars in the past (I reported one years ago after discovering it contained a Slovakian far right slogan), but I'm not seeing this one myself.

 

[weirdoguy]

Thought about this recently...

 

[Nugatory]

(I thought of using the "report" option, but I want others to see)

A swastika would definitely not be allowed, but at first glance I’m seeing this as a stylized letter Z instead.
(This is also the first time that any mentor has looked at it, there’s no automatic vetting process for avatars).

 

[JimWhoKnew]

Isn't it just a stylised X? The user's name begins with X, I'm pretty sure the "blades" are pointing the wrong way for the Nazi symbol, and it's not four-fold rotationally symmetric (I don't think it's even two-fold symmetric, although that might be the rainbow background messing with my distance estimation).

There never seems to be a shortage of technicalities, "explanations", excuses and benefits of the doubt.
If it is just an innocent coincidence, the person shouldn't mind replacing it. I expect the PF board to see that it is done.

 

[jack action]

No, you just see something that is clearly not there unless you are looking for it. From Google AI:

The image provided appears to be an artistic graphic or logo associated with the name Xinze (辛泽). It features a complex, stylized symbol resembling a 'Z' with a diagonal line through it, set against a background of concentric rainbow-colored circles.

The symbol itself is similar in appearance to various runes, alchemy symbols for titanium, and other abstract logos, but within the context of the image, it is linked specifically to the name "Xinze". "Xinze" is a name used by several individuals, including visual artists, a jewelry designer, and an actor. The specific identity or purpose of this particular graphic is not definitively stated in the available information.

Would you like to know more about the artists named Xinze or the meaning of the symbol?

And since the name of the user is Xinze ...

As a comparison, using this image from Wikipedia, I get the following response:

It looks like there's no response available for this search. Try asking something else.

 

[256bits]

The symbol is part of the chinese unicode character set, as well as in other languages.
Some places consider it as a sign of good luck, as it was written throughout history in various regions of the world, including some N.American Indian cultures.

 

[JimWhoKnew]

No, you just see something that is clearly not there unless you are looking for it.

So now I'm being gaslighted too?

It is well known that the geometric structure is an ancient symbol in some cultures. However, over the past century it has accumulated some other connotations that make it unwelcome by many.

Some places consider it as a sign of good luck

Some people consider it as a sign of excellent luck...

 

[Nugatory]

The symbol is part of the chinese unicode character set,

Which code point? Yes, I should find it for myself but if you already know it's easier to ask you...

 

[jack action]

It is well known that the geometric structure is an ancient symbol in some cultures. However, over the past century it has accumulated some other connotations that make it unwelcome by many.

Frankly, the first thing that came to my mind looking at the image was the pride flag. What does it say about me?

 

[JimWhoKnew]

What does it say about me?

Form rules dictate civility, so heavy-heartedly I'll have to pass on that one

But thanks, anyway.

 

[256bits]

Which code point? Yes, I should find it for myself but if you already know it's easier to ask you...

U+534D 卍
U+5350 卐

 

[256bits]

It is well known that the geometric structure is an ancient symbol in some cultures. However, over the past century it has accumulated some other connotations that make it unwelcome by many.

I honestly do not know which takes precedence.
I know where I live the unwelcome connotations are emphasized, with barely a mention of other cultures.

 

[256bits]

What does it say about me?

That you are not colour blind?

 

[Frabjous]

According to https://www.chinese-showcase.com/blogs/chinese-symbols/wan-pattern-卍-symbol-meaning-in-chinese-culture?srsltid=AfmBOoqoWhIcHuHmyHpFYbiEn1Yb9APiY_XvTwW1HaGHrjfuSzOMwg7m

In the second year of Emperor Wu Zetian’s reign, in 693 CE, this symbol was formally integrated into the Chinese writing system, pronounced as “wan,” and signifying infinity and continuity.

Mathematics has a lot to answer for.

 

[Ibix]

There never seems to be a shortage of technicalities, "explanations", excuses and benefits of the doubt.

I would say that the differences (chirality, line placing, angles, line length) extend to more than technicalities. I responded to the user's thread and went back to it several times as others responded and did not see any resonance with a swastika - just a fancified version of the user's initial on a colourful background.

I shan't respond further here because I don't think it'll help anything. I do agree offensive avatars should be removed (and I've seen this happen at PF and am confident it will happen in this instance too if the mentors agree with you), but my opinion is that you're reaching pretty far to find this one offensive.