Peace On You, Brothers and Sisters…
Funny how there are so many things in life that we never stop to think about but just take for granted
as being part of our environment, part of the background noise. Like air. And why are stop signs red and octagonal? Why do men torture themselves by wearing neckties? And the origin and meaning of the peace symbol.
It had never occurred to me that something like the peace symbol might have a birthday. But thanks to Crooks & Liars, I now know that this universally recognized icon was born 50 years ago. Developed in 1958 by a British textile designer and conscientious objector named Gerald Holtom, the symbol combined the graphics for the semaphore letters N and D, for nuclear disarmament.
On Feb. 21, 1958 the symbol was adopted by the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War. The symbol soon began to be used in anti-nuclear protests across Britain and then spread around the globe. Over the years, the meaning has broadened to become a general symbol for pursuit of peace.
Some of us remember the nuclear threats of the Cold War days in the 1950s and ’60s, the period that spawned the peace symbol. We remember the peace symbol becoming an instantly recognizable emblem defiantly worn and displayed by those who objected to an ill-conceived and ill-fated war in Vietnam. Today, a majority of Americans object to another ill-conceived and ill-fated war in Iraq. A war defined as a fight against an enemy we cannot see, have not found, and do not understand. A war fought for reasons never understood and long ago forgotten. A war that continues for reasons not apparent to rational men and women.
Symbols and protests do not end wars or redirect our misguided politicians. However, there is ample evidence that in the Vietnam War and in the struggle for Civil Rights, symbols and protests by those who had deep convictions definitely helped this nation to focus more clearly on the issues. Where are today’s hippies and protestors wearing the peace symbol, marching in the streets, demanding an end to the atrocities? Where are the taxpayers, who should be protesting the continued drain of their pockets to finance this war to the tune of $275 Million each day, mortgaging America’s present and future? Is there no visible protest because there is no threat of a draft? If there was a draft, is the Canadian border still open to young Americans fleeing to avoid the war? How have we as a people become so blind and stupid and complacent that something like this can happen? And keep on happening?
Anti-war does not mean anti-US. I am against the war in Iraq, but I love my country, and I fully support our military men and women assigned to Iraq. They should be supported with the best and enough of everything they need to ensure their safety and well being. But the greatest support we could give them would be to bring them home safely and quickly. Don’t believe me? Ask them…
14 Comments so far
[...] nobody asked… wrote an interesting post today on Peace On You, Brothers and Sisters…Here’s a quick excerpt Funny how there are so many things in life that we never stop to think about but just take for granted as being part of our environment, part of the background noise. Like air. And why are stop signs red and octagonal? Why do men torture themselves by wearing neckties? And the origin and meaning of the peace symbol. It had never occurred to me that something like the peace symbol might have a birthday. But thanks to Crooks & Liars, I now know that this universally recognized icon was born [...]
Actually it’s a subliminal ad by mercedes benz, but the paint from the centre stripe ran down the middle
I have no answer as to why our country and our people started this ruinous, useless war, draining blood and treasure, and making “Iraq” a worse place than it was under Saddam. As to why it continues, I’m equally without understanding. I make no apology or protestations of patriotism in having and expressing my opinion.
The Bush administration has been an utter disaster and blight upon our country, our history.
“I have no answer as to why our country and our people started this ruinous, useless war”
9/11
That is a good question. Why are we so complacent now? I mean gas is $3.50 a gallon and nobody seems to care or change their behavior. The airports are all packed with people flying even though prices are way up due to fuel costs. All people care about is who is winning American Idol.
The vast majority of soldiers in Iraq are in favor of the war on terrorism. They are happy to be there to defend our country against the Islamic Fascists. My son was one of them. He never regretted being in Iraq protecting our country and our freedom.
Favoring the war on terrorism and favoring the Iraq war are two very different topics, this said from a life long Republican who voted for George Bush twice. I won’t make the same mistake again this upcoming Presidential election.
Our soldiers deserve better!
…. you need to come to my house and shoot a few games of pool…. we’ll have some drinks…… and you know what?…. we’ll talk…. and that is the eternal key…..
… come any time…. we’ll talk……
E
Since “Iraq” had nothing to do with “9/11″ I think anyone who connects the two is a purblind idiot, scarcely above the intellectual level of a slug, or President Bush, pick one. Not even the Bush administration droogs used 9/11 as an excuse for the war in Iraq. Sure, after they turned it into a hotbed of terrorism they exclaimed “It’s part of the war on terrorism.” Too late, fascist pigs.
Thank you for the lesson re the peace symbol.
And YES I believe you, and agree.
Along with everything you said, what has amazed me is the current wave of symbolisms that supposedly mean being patriotic– yellow ribbons on cars, little lapel pins– all of these as a substitue for real patriotism which might cost money. I always want to ask someone with all those supposedly patriotic symbols if they have been writing their congressmen demanding a tax increase to adequately fund this war they want so much. 9 out of 10 of them do not want to pay any tax for it. They think a lapel pin is a substitute for something that cost real money.
Everybody is for fighting against the terrorists but the problem is the war in Iraq had nothing to do with the attack against us. It has since served as a training ground for new terrorists and it’s a long way from over despite the supposed good results from the surge. You will only know if the surge worked when the troops back off and the Iraqis take over their own security. When that happens, it’ll be a relief but claiming victory now is as bad as Bush’s symbolism on that aircraft carrier where it looked like he had to fly to it (but didn’t) where he pranced around in a flight suit and got praise from the right wingers for his ‘package’ and where he declared mission accomplished. That was all about winning in 2004 and nothing about whether anything was really done.
Empty symbols are very irritating to me no matter what they are. What matters are our actions and right now that means supporting sufficient funds to take care of the men and women returning with grave injuries to their bodies or minds. That will be a long time being fully paid, but yellow ribbons come cheap.
I know this was a rant but it hit a hot button– good piece and glad to hear it being said
ah, someone after my own heart..I agree 100%…
and speaking of hippies..back in the 60’s when the peace and love was just starting I was a bartender at a Night Club…2 guys I knew but hadn’t seen in a long time came down the ramp..the one guy had his hand up in the vee sign…I drew 2 beers and set them down in front of them…he said what is this?..I said you heldup 2 fingers..in here that’s 2 beers…he said..no that was the peace sign…i was wishing you peace…I looked at him for a long time..then said..sugar….out there it’s the peace sign ..in here..it’s too beers..pay up…and oh by the way?…peace on you too…
Are you familiar with the One Million Blogs for Peace movement? If interested, try bluepyramid.org/peace/
Excellent!!!! I just returned from voting in the Ohio primary and Ron Paul got my vote. He’s the only candidate who unequivocally states that we need the troops home NOW! He is also the only one who understands that we need to stop spending and take some measures toward a sound economic policy or soon this country will be as bankrupt fiscally as it is morally.