Protest against using the Zorro sign (the letter Z) in Russian war propaganda
Zorro is a character that selflessly risked his own safety and life in order to oppose the tyrannical power in Los Angeles and defend those who were weak and helpless. The letter Z, the mark of Zorro, gave hope to peons, simple vaqueros as well as noblemen for justice. Even though he is just a fictional character, Zorro lives in the consciousness of many people. Just like it was one hundred years ago, nowadays, he still embodies ideals that many would like to pass on to their children and next generations.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Russians have used the Latin letter Z to mark a part of their forces, even though there is no such sign in the Cyrillic (the letter Z is signed with З). It is a neutral mark which may provoke some memes or jokes at most. However, recently, the Russian authorities have used the letter Z for aggressive propaganda.
As long-term Zorro fans, we are observing with shame and sadness how history repeats itself and symbols change meanings. Hitler once used an innocent Indian symbol of prosperity and good luck. As a result, the swastika symbol forever will associate with genocide and horrible crimes in human history.
We protest against using the letter Z – the mark of Zorro, which has always carried the positive message – to legitimize and promote Russia’s murderous regime and its war with Ukraine.
See other links:
- Zorro https://www.zorro.com/general/zorros-statement-on-ukraine/
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_(military_symbol)
