Friday 2 May 2014

Comment: It is hypocritical to advocate a safe space whilst wearing Soviet symbols

Using Soviet symbolism to display Socialist beliefs is an abuse of Western European privilege, discounting the distressing experiences of Eastern European people under Soviet rule in an either ignorant, or simply quite arrogant, fashion. 
Student life and Socialist inclinations go together fairly well. At universities all over the UK, there are Socialist societies, events and publications, as well as plenty of opinions on the topic; some moderate, some rather radical. This is a good thing; debate is crucial for a healthy academic environment. Yet, some ‘comrades’ like to take it a step further, as using Soviet symbolism appears to also be en vogue, whether it is the casual red star pinned to a bag or jacket, or the more controversial hammer and sickle. A pure history lesson doesn’t seem to convince that this is neither tasteful, nor is it appropriate. So maybe a slightly different approach will at least lead to even just a few re-evaluations of fashion choice; in the least superficial way possible.
It’s no secret that Socialism and feminist activism also appear to go together quite well. It was on feminist websites where trigger warnings first appeared. Trigger warnings are an important tool for feminism and safe spaces in general; they can ensure that those with a past they would rather not be reminded of don’t have to accidentally remember nor relive any traumatic experiences. The point remains that, if for you, Socialism and feminism go hand in hand, and if you are convinced that you subscribe to a belief system which respects people as ends in themselves, and aims to supports those in need, then there is simply no justification for using Soviet imagery. This is not to say that Soviet symbols should come with a trigger warning, but if worn by someone who agrees with the general idea behind trigger warnings, then their use is highly hypocritical.
Communism in Eastern Europe involved a lot of suffering rather than egalitarian fun; the rationing of food, gas and electricity are but a few examples. In Romania, both contraception and abortion were strictly forbidden under the Communist regime. One important idea behind trigger warnings is that all emotions are valid. One could certainly choose to start explaining why all of this has, actually, nothing to do with the Soviet symbols themselves, which are simply convenient to use – or just choose to accept that casual usage of oppressive symbols is not a particularly sensitive thing to do.
This is not about criticising anyone’s right to indulge in Marxist philosophy, or even aspirations towards a Socialist utopia. The hammer and sickle, however, while merely a hip accessory to the fashion-conscious leftist, is a symbol of pain for many people who had to endure a Soviet regime and should never be treated as harmless fun. It’s not that one shouldn’t be allowed to use Soviet symbolism; everyone should have the choice.  It’s rather that one should choose not to; if not out of common sense, then at least to avoid the hypocritical act of advocating trigger warnings whilst proudly wearing symbols for oppression.
To be taken more seriously, therefore, student Socialism might want to check its Western European privilege before sticking a Red Star to a MacbookPro.
Originally written for The Student

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