The Swastika

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of cultural symbols and their importance to society. Specifically, the paper researches the history of one of the world's most infamous cultural symbols - the swastika. The paper relates that the history of this notorious symbol is long and varied, and much of it has little to do with the hatred and violence that mark it today. The swastika is an ancient symbol used for decoration and ornamentation, but it has come to civilize the Nazis, one of the most brutal cultures on earth.

From the Paper:

"Interestingly, there are many buildings and infrastructure decorated with swastikas even here in the United States. One is the Laguna Dam, near Yuma Arizona. Built in the early 1900s, it was the first dam to harness the Colorado River, and it took technology from India to accomplish the feat. Bureau of Reclamation engineers traveled to India to study their dams and weirs, and when they came back, they designed the dam with traditional Hindu symbols for good luck. In fact, for a short while, the bureau's flag even sported the symbol."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fenger, D. (2005). Symbol of luck, swastikas adorn Yuma dam. Retrieved from the Yuma Sun Web site: http://sun.yumasun.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi/11/19393 11 May 2007.
• Quinn, M. (1994). The swastika: constructing the symbol. New York: Routledge.
• Rosenberg, S. (2007). The history of the swastika. Retrieved from the About.com Web site: http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swastika/a/swastikahistory.htm 11 May 2007.

More papers on The Swastika:

• Term Paper # 139149 : "The Swastika as a Cultural Symbol"
• Essay # 14398 : "Swastika"
• Research Paper # 60226 : "The Psychology Behind The Nazi Regime"

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