Name: Abdur Razik Khan

PRN no. 1062211878

Roll no. 21MBAIB050

Cross Cultural Relationship marketing

Case 3

SUMMARY
The swastika is an ancient symbol that has used for thousands of years in various cultures,
including in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. However, in the West, the symbol is most
commonly associated with the atrocities committed by the Nazi party during World War II. As a
result, the swastika is considered a symbol of hate and is banned in many Western countries.
This cultural misapprehension has led to misunderstandings between Eastern and Western
cultures. For example, in 2016, a Hindu temple in Nevada was vandalized with swastikas,
leading to confusion and hurt among the local Hindu community who view the swastika as a
symbol of peace and prosperity. To address this issue, education and cultural awareness are
needed. It is important to recognize the historical and cultural significance of the swastika in
Eastern cultures and to differentiate it from its association with Nazi Germany. Cross-cultural
dialogues and exchanges can also help to bridge the gap in understanding and appreciation of
different cultural symbols and traditions.
Overall, the cultural misapprehension over the swastika in the West highlights the importance of
cultural sensitivity and understanding in today's increasingly globalized world.

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Q1) Carry out a cross country comparison of the differences in perceptions and 
cultural implications of the swastika.
Ans :The swastika is a symbol that has different perceptions and cultural implications across
countries. Here is a cross-country comparison of some of the differences:
India: In India, the swastika is considered a sacred symbol and is widely used in Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Jainism. It represents peace, prosperity, and good luck. The swastika is often
used in religious ceremonies, decorations, and artwork. It is also commonly used in business
logos and advertisements.
Japan: In Japan, the swastika is known as the manji and is used in Buddhist temples and Shinto
shrines. It represents good fortune, eternity, and the cycle of life. The manji is also used in
traditional Japanese art and design.
China: In China, the swastika is known as the wan and is used in Buddhism, Taoism, and
Confucianism. It represents the universe, eternity, and good luck. The wan is often used in
traditional Chinese architecture and artwork.
Western countries: In many Western countries, the swastika is associated with the atrocities
committed by the Nazi party during World War II. It is considered a symbol of hate and is
banned in many countries, including Germany, Austria, and France. The swastika is rarely used
in Western cultures, except in some instances of neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups.
In summary, the swastika has different cultural implications across countries, with positive and
negative associations depending on the cultural context. It is important to understand and respect
the cultural significance of the swastika in different cultures and to differentiate it from its
association with hate and intolerance.

Q2) Critically evaluate how the use of swastika by the Nazis transformed its 
common perception to a symbol of hate rather than a symbol of well-being, 
love, and luck
Ans: The swastika is an ancient symbol that has been used for thousands of years in various
cultures, including in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It was originally a symbol of well-
being, love, and luck. However, the use of the swastika by the Nazis during World War II
transformed its common perception to a symbol of hate and intolerance. The Nazis used the
swastika as a symbol of their ideology of racial purity and supremacy. They used it to promote
their anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant views and to glorify the atrocities they committed during
the Holocaust. The swastika became synonymous with Nazi Germany and its horrific crimes,
such as the genocide of six million Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, and others. The
widespread use of the swastika by the Nazis and its association with hate and intolerance had a
profound impact on its perception in Western cultures. The swastika became a symbol of evil,
oppression, and genocide. Its use was banned in many countries, and it became a taboo symbol
that was rarely seen in public. The transformation of the swastika's common perception from a
symbol of well-being, love, and luck to a symbol of hate and intolerance is a clear example of the
power of propaganda and the impact of historical events on cultural symbols. The Nazis
effectively hijacked an ancient symbol and used it to promote their hateful agenda, forever
tarnishing its meaning and legacy.
In conclusion, the use of the swastika by the Nazis transformed its common perception from a
symbol of well-being, love, and luck to a symbol of hate and intolerance. Its association with
Nazi Germany's atrocities during World War II forever changed the swastika's meaning and
legacy in Western cultures.
Q.3) In your opinion, is the proposed ban on swastika on commercial products in 
the European Union justified? Discuss your views with your colleagues in 
class.
Ans :The proposed ban is based on the swastika's association with Nazi Germany and its use as a
symbol of hate and intolerance. The ban is intended to prevent the swastika's use as a tool for
promoting hate and discrimination, particularly in the wake of rising incidents of hate crimes and
far-right extremism in Europe. On one hand, the ban can be seen as a necessary measure to
prevent the misuse of a symbol that has been historically associated with violence and genocide.
It can also be seen as a way of promoting tolerance and respect for different cultures and
religions, particularly those that hold the swastika as a sacred symbol. On the other hand, some
argue that the ban infringes on the freedom of expression and artistic creativity. They argue that
the swastika can be used in artistic, historical, or cultural contexts that are not related to hate or
discrimination, and that banning it altogether is an overreach of government regulation.
Ultimately, the justification for the proposed ban on the swastika on commercial products in the
European Union depends on one's values and priorities. While some may see it as a necessary
measure to prevent the promotion of hate and intolerance, others may see it as an infringement
on freedom of expression and artistic creativity. It is up to policymakers and society at large to
weigh the costs and benefits of such a ban and to determine whether it is justified