Comments on: A New Brand Identity for Red Cross International… But Is It Fair?

By: Tammy Strnatka

Tammy Strnatka — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:13:48 +0000

Thank you for this post. It’s frightening and sad. One can only pray that all nations will adopt one symbol and agree that it represents one thing…you will only be met with help and compassion at this site.
Someday?

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:21:37 +0000

No problem, Cam. I figured that’s what you meant.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 21:01:21 +0000

Forgive my grammar. Haste makes for a poor proofreader.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:16:56 +0000

“Elaine – I agree with your points. I do not suggest that changing the symbol would be an effective way to repel terror, but that incompetent, politically correct sycophants might use this rationale to justify the expression of a Jewish religious symbol.”
Should read: “Elaine – I agree with your points. I do not suggest that changing the symbol would be an effective way to repel terror, but that incompetent, politically correct sycophants might use this rationale to justify the SUPPRESS the expression of a Jewish religious symbol.”
Feel free to modify the original post and delete this one.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:17:13 +0000

Nedra, you’re right on both counts.
Elaine – I agree with your points. I do not suggest that changing the symbol would be an effective way to repel terror, but that incompetent, politically correct sycophants might use this rationale to justify the expression of a Jewish religious symbol.
I’m very glad you brought this subject to light.

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:10:36 +0000

Unfortunately, Nedra’s right. There is a double standard at play when it comes to anything Israeli.
Cam, as for using a generic symbol as a safeguard against terror, the MDA is placing the red Star of David within the crystal symbol, so there’s no benefit in being anonymous here. Although I appreciate your theory, terorists adapt quite easily, and even if the MDA did away with the star, and used the crystal exclusively within Israel, the ambulences and ground personnel could still be deemed targets.
The situation is a lose-lose one, I’m afraid, no matter what brand identities are utilized. It’s the cycle of hate that needs to be tackled, and that’s not about to change easily when many children in Arab lands are raised and educated with hatred in their homes and schoolbooks.

By: Nedra Weinreich

Nedra Weinreich — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:29:52 +0000

Elaine,
Thanks for writing about this. Of course, it is not fair. There is always a double standard when it comes to Israel. The fact that the sticking point for over half a century was the picture, rather than the organization’s actual activities, shows what a farce it was – especially when the Arab countries were already using their own symbol that deviated from the Red Cross’ “brand.” Sadly, it’s just business as usual in the international community.
Cam – the irony is that those who would target MDA personnel are the same people who would receive medical assistance from MDA without hesitation if they became sick or injured within Israel’s borders. Sadly, the Red Crescent ambulances in the Palestinian territories seem to be used for smuggling bombs and weapons more often than actually helping people who need it.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:47:14 +0000

In one respect, I hate the decision to forbid the use of the Star of David as a symbol of Jewish or Israeli religiosity such as the cross and crescent represent Christianity and Islam, respectively (although advocates from either camp might deny they represent such things).
On the other hand, from a practical standpoint, using a secular symbol in Israel may actually safeguard the lives of those who loft the banner from destruction at the hands of terrorists who are inclined to hate anything Jewish, including their symbolic manifestations. It’s not pleasant to talk or think about, but that is the reality on the ground. I don’t know how effective using a different symbol will be, though, since it will in essence represent the same thing. Failing to assuage any concerns on account of safety, I don’t like the appearance of appeasing those who would blow up humanitarian workers because of their religion.