Politico exposed Republican Rep. Dave Tyler of Ohio for possessing an American flag altered to have the white and red stripes form a swastika on Oct. 15. In his statement, Tyler denounced the symbol, calling it “vile and deeply inappropriate,” and launched an investigation into the event. Tyler claimed the incident does not “reflect the values or standards of this office,” but the symbol’s presence in his workspace alone speaks volumes about who the right appeals to and the hate it preaches.
Swastikas have a long-standing impact in human history. It has been used by many different cultures in various ways, dating back 7,000 years. However, in the early 20th century, the symbol was appropriated by far-right nationalist groups to symbolize racial purity and “Aryan” identity. Since World War II, this oppressive meaning became dominant in Europe and the Americas due to its affiliation with the Nazis, who were responsible for the brutal genocide of the Jews.
The Swastika’s history as a symbol of hate and systemic violence in American culture is what makes its presence in a U.S. representative office so terrifying. Racial minorities make up 39.9% of the U.S. population. Symbols like these signal to minorities that they are unwelcome and unwanted.
Earlier this month, Politico leaked the Young Republican National Foundation’s leaders’ group chat. These individuals were spewing cruel and racist rhetoric, claiming they would “create some of the greatest physiological torture methods known to man,” and were “ready to watch people burn.” The group praised Adolf Hitler and glorified rape. Vice President JD Vance downplayed the hate speech, stating it was simply what “a bunch of kids say in a group chat.
“I really don’t want us to grow up in a country where a kid telling a stupid joke, telling a very offensive, stupid joke is cause to ruin their lives,” continued. Yet, the 3,000 pages of chats consisted of adult government employees, including Vermont State Sen. Samuel Douglass.
These horrific instances demonstrate the far right’s infatuation with genocide and violence, exemplifying their deep-rooted corruption. It is horrifying to imagine people in power associating with, or even praising these repressive ideologies.
The Republican party attracts hateful, prejudiced people in those they cater to, those who vote for them and those they employ. The use of these symbols is inexcusable, and Americans should not stand idly by while a party that idolizes fascism and genocide takes over the U.S. government. Americans must stand against hate, abuse and violence.
