Angola has made a conscious decision to stick to this symbol as if transitions to a liberal democracy and stable economy. There were some efforts to change the flag recently because as you said it's often associated with totalitarian regimes. But those efforts failed because to Angolans it symbolizes the Angolan triumph over the colonial oppression of Portugal and resistance to apartheid South African invasion.

It could change in the future, Angola is still moving towards "good government" and "nice place to live" as you said. But for now it remains their national flag.

[–] laverabe@lemmy.world 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Interesting. That being said I don't understand the lemmygrad peoples desire for the Hammer and sickle as a symbol. Like almost nothing good has come from it. Even in Angola it seems to be viewed as a somewhat tarnished period in their history.

[–] Humana@lemmy.world 3 points 7 months ago

I get what you mean, I'm helping to add nuance to the discussion. Also a bunch of white people coming in and telling Angolans what symbols they can and can't use to represent their triumph over colonialism and apartheid isn't a great look either.

[–] justinas@soc.dudenas.lt 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

@laverabe

Meaning is also contextual - different cultures put different meaning in symbols. To represent global ideas we need some consensus.

Baltic neo-pagans were rigtfully culturally suppressed from using swastika as "symbol of Sun". Hammer and sickle also signifies millions of deaths and decades of repressioms. It is even forbidden in some post soviet countries along with swastika. Lets find something less damaging to represent marxist ideas.

@Humana

[–] Humana@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I don't believe in these sweeping absolutes. Context and motive are important parts of any equation of what's "acceptable".

[–] justinas@soc.dudenas.lt 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

@Humana
I think the only system to believe in here is sensitivity to feelings and histories of others. If you don't mind triggering literally millions of people whose families were hurt by soviets, it is your choice.
And wouldn't you be against public display of swastikas if they are displayed by "neopagans" and supposedly symbolize Sun?

[–] Humana@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago

Do you ban them from museums? Textbooks? Documentaries? No because they are in an appropriate context. I would never wear or display a swastika and I feel disgusted to see one displayed by anyone with pride. Context and motive matter...