I have a “beat to hell” Darwin fish on the back of my truck. Fish have been pried off several times and recovered (a couple of them fishnapped without ransom demands).
When the old Darwin fish hit the streets I was an immediate fan. I was equally impressed with the come back of the religious with the “truth” fish eating the “darwin” fish. I never once considered defacing the rival fish. Instead I appriciated the creativity.
I have several other versions of the fish that I like very much but I am afraid that they wouldn’t last 1-week on the streets. I also wouldn’t put them on my family car because I feel that it would likely bring ill-will in the direction of my one year old.
So, my point to ponder is…
it seems to be common that unfortuanate events befall darwin fish much more frequently than jesus fish. It can’t be right that I am apprehensive of expressing myself. Am I just a 6’1", 200# motorcycle riding pansy?
I’ve tried not to offend anyone. That has most likely made for some gaps in my train of thought. I’ll bring my thoughts together as the thread evolves.
I’ve got a Darwin fish on my car (and have recieved remarkedly littel feedback although I did have one teenage leave me a long, two-page handwritten note explaining how she had learned at summer Bible camp that people like me had “closed minds” :dubious: ).
Anywya, when I put it on my car, my brother pointed out that some deem it offensive because it’s taking a known Christian symbol (the fish) and distorting it to make a point. So I can kind of see why the Darwin fish inspires more rencor among the more fanatical true believers…
The Christian fish proclaims “I’m a Christian.” This probably doesn’t really bother anyone, but is, shall we say, less than ingratiating to some who are not Christians and don’t see a need for Christians to make a point of decaring it. The Darwin fish is just a clever little twist on the Christian fish, tweaking the nose of said declarers by transforming one symbol for another. While some may use it as a declaration of accepting evolution, I suspect that for many it’s just a playful way of saying “You don’t need to wear your religion on your sleeve.”
The Truth fish is also a clever transformation of one symbol for another, though with a more heavyhanded message. The Darwin fish doesn’t overtly criticize or decry religion, but the Truth fish clearly denounces evolution.
Those who accept evolution don’t generally perceive any threat from religion per se, in fact many of them are Christians or followers of other faiths. Some Christians, however, seem to take the Theory of Evolution as a personal attack on their beliefs. Installing a Truth fish is one way some of them react, removing or destroying a Darwin fish is another. The message I perceive from that is “If I can’t change your mind, I’m going to physically stop you from expressing it.” Book burning, anyone?
lived with a Darwin fish on my truck for 2 years in rural Georgia. No problems. Of course, I got some really nasty looks when I’d wear my “Born Again Pagan” t-shirt. I wonder what Jesus would say about being symbolized by a fish? Or by having his “followers” intentionally destroying someone else’s property or even STEALING it. WTFWJD?
I have a Goddess Yoni (fish with fins cut off, displayed on point) and a Horned God (fish nose down, with the fins from the first fish glued on for horns.)
that is my thought. i wouldn’t think of performing unkind acts just because a person has differing ideology. i do not have confidence that alot of folks on the other side of the fence would behave the same.
could this be tied to the recent pledge of allegiance decission? freedom of relligeon vs freedom to force religion on people?
on another side note, i work in a very conservative office and days like today i like to wear my favorite t-shirt
under my button shirt of course to prevent a mob execution
