Antifa's Symbolism: A Brief Analysis

Origins and Meaning

The symbol commonly used by antifa is a combination of an anarchist flag overlaying a socialist flag. It is based on the logo of the German antifa movement, Antifaschistische Aktion (Anti-Fascist Action), which was founded in 1932.

Meaning Behind the Flags

Anarchist Flag

The black flag represents anarchy, which is a political ideology that rejects all forms of government and authority.

Socialist Flag

The red flag represents socialism, which is a political ideology that advocates for the public ownership of industry and resources.

Adoption by Antifa

In the United States, the Three Arrows symbol is also used by antifa groups along with flags based on the symbol of antifa in Germany. The term "antifa" is an abbreviation for "antifaschistische Aktion" (Anti-Fascist Action), which refers to various decentralized political movements that oppose fascism.

Conclusion

The symbolism used by antifa reflects the movement's commitment to fighting fascism and promoting social justice. By intertwining the anarchist and socialist flags, antifa activists express their belief that both individual autonomy and collective action are essential in combating fascism.