'Beyond disgraceful': Controversial shop display sparks fierce debates about symbolism

Disclaimer: This article may contain sensitive imagery and symbols. Reader discretion is advised.

In the digital age, the line between freedom of expression and offensive content is often blurred.

A display piece sparked a heated debate among Australians, especially those who have lived through the atrocities of World War II.


A provocative display in a shop front on Gurwood Street in Wagga Wagga caught many people's attention.

The display featured doctored images of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and other public figures dressed in Nazi-style uniforms.

Some of the figures, also clad in iron-cross medals, included former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and mining magnates Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart.


compressed-Nazi imagery.jpeg
The shop front garnered attention and criticism among Australians online. Image Credit: Facebook/Dallas V Beaufort


This bold statement was intended as political commentary and garnered public outcry.

After a complaint lodged by Michael McCormack, the display immediately became the subject of a police investigation.

The display, described by many as distasteful and offensive, was scrutinised by the NSW Police.


Michael McCormack initially expressed his disgust about the display on social media.

'This is beyond disgraceful,' McCormack prefaced.

'The Nazis killed six million Jews in the Holocaust. This remains one of the worst mass murders in human history.'

'The Nazis were pure evil. To be depicted as one of them is as insulting as it is vile,' he
concluded.

After consulting for legal advice, the police concluded the investigation with a verdict.

'Officers spoke to a 69-year-old man at the business, and after seeking legal advice, it was determined the material does not break the 80.2E Prohibited symbols under the Australian Criminal Code,' NSW Police wrote in a statement.

The NSW Police's decision left many scratching their heads.


While many people question the decision, shop owner Michael Agzarian defended his work as an artist.

'I've got no comment to make; I just create the art, and obviously, some people get upset,' Agzarian commented.

'My intention is not to upset people, but just to get a message out there.'

Agzarian also mentioned that the shopfront displays are regularly changed every few days.

The poster was later altered to feature a pixelated version of the politician.

For those who may have lived through World War II, usage of Nazi imagery could be sensitive.

The legacy of the war and the Holocaust is not just a chapter in history books but a lived experience for many.

This incident raised questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibilities that come with it.
Key Takeaways

  • A controversial display in Wagga Wagga showed doctored images of prominent individuals in Nazi-style uniforms.
  • Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack publicly condemned the display as 'beyond disgraceful' and offensive due to the historical associations with Nazi atrocities.
  • NSW Police stated that a shopfront display depicting Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and other figures as Nazis does not violate the Australian Criminal Code.
  • The business owner claimed that he intended to convey a message through his art but later modified the display.
How do you feel about the use of such provocative imagery in public spaces? Is there a place for this kind of expression in modern Australia, or does it cross a line? We invite you to share your thoughts on this matter in the comments section below.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
In the Western world the swastika is synonymous with fascism, but it goes back thousands of years and has been used as a symbol of good fortune in almost every culture in the world. As more evidence emerges of its long pre-Nazi history in Europe, can this ancient sign ever shake off its evil associations?

This is the opening paragraph courtesy of an article by BBC News. Most of the SDC readers may know this already, but the full article makes interesting reading. Goes to show how easily influenced many people can be. 🤔
 
Just a little history about the "swastika".

Nazi Germany may have adopted it in 1920 but its history goes way back. The four armed cross originates from the 9th century as the "fylfot" or the "gammadion" and has been documented in the British Isles, Europe, Africa and Asia waaaay before the Nazis adopted it.

There are left handed and right handed versions, associated with Mahāyāna Buddhism and Hinduism, respectively.

And what do you make of the Raelian version of the "swastika" with incorporates a combined "swastika" and the Star Of David! :ROFLMAO:

Raelian_symbol.svg.png
Technically, display of a "swastika" is not an offence as it can be used as a religious symbol!
 
I didn't say it was OK......I just stated that it was a more likely result in one of our Major communities where such actions do occur than in a smaller regional community. You know nothing at all about me and I take the greatest offence of you suggesting that I am UN CIVILISED.
In my opinion it seemed that you were O.K about someone burning the shop down, you didn`t disagree with the idea and then mentioned that they would be prosecuted "only if they were caught". And please stop being so thin skinned. I have noticed that you can look after yourself
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: magpie1 and Knell
Absolutely disgraceful. That is the lowest form of advertising.
I agree but I cannot for the life of me to see the Police are pathetic too. It beggars belief! As someone said a few well aimed bricks might of shown the real message in regards to horror of WW11. To think was funny with ANZAC day just around the corner, where we say thank you to the many many brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and some suffering from injuries all their life. 👌👏💖
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie1
Just a little history about the "swastika".

Nazi Germany may have adopted it in 1920 but its history goes way back. The four armed cross originates from the 9th century as the "fylfot" or the "gammadion" and has been documented in the British Isles, Europe, Africa and Asia waaaay before the Nazis adopted it.

There are left handed and right handed versions, associated with Mahāyāna Buddhism and Hinduism, respectively.

And what do you make of the Raelian version of the "swastika" with incorporates a combined "swastika" and the Star Of David! :ROFLMAO:

View attachment 71977
Technically, display of a "swastika" is not an offence as it can be used as a religious symbol!
It's not a religious symbol if it is placed and displayed the way the Nazi Party of Germany did. On the left is the Buddhist symbol, on the right is the Nazi Party symbol.
 

Attachments

  • z133.jpg
    z133.jpg
    88.3 KB · Views: 0
So how come I am not allowed to advertise and sell my WW2 Nazi badges and other memorabilia on eBay Australia?
Fair dinkum, the law in this country needs a bloody good shake up.
About 25 years ago, a German-Australian friend wore his father's SS uniform and medals to an RSL ceremony to give some education to people. He asked the RSL Sub-Branch for permission but an angry minority on the day jumped up and down in protest and was promptly asked to leave.

I remember who you idiot minority were, if you're still alive. You didn't fight the Germans in World War II but the Japanese!!
 
I agree but I cannot for the life of me to see the Police are pathetic too. It beggars belief! As someone said a few well aimed bricks might of shown the real message in regards to horror of WW11. To think was funny with ANZAC day just around the corner, where we say thank you to the many many brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and some suffering from injuries all their life. 👌👏💖
You obviously don`t understand the message. Think about it, did you even fight in a war.?
 
I agree but I cannot for the life of me to see the Police are pathetic too. It beggars belief! As someone said a few well aimed bricks might of shown the real message in regards to horror of WW11. To think was funny with ANZAC day just around the corner, where we say thank you to the many many brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and some suffering from injuries all their life. 👌👏💖
The brave men and women who fought in the wars, did so because they believed that they were fighting to protect our freedom`s and that included freedom of ideas and of speech!
 
Funny thing is, the ADF have a large recruit training facility in Wagga Wagga and an RAAF base - Base Wagga known as ‘The Home of the Aviator’.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Sherril54

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×