Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on June 9, 2020

A Dundee mural depicting the man allegedly murdered by an American police officer has been defaced.

Dundee graffiti artist Symon Mathieson, also known as SYKE, had shown his support for the Black Lives Matter movement by painting a portrait of George Floyd in the Hilltown.

Symon painted the piece last week in an effort to show solidarity with those protesting police brutality and shine a light on racism in Scotland.

However, today, a white supremacist symbol has been painted over Floyds face.

The Celtic Cross, which has been historically used by groups such as the KKK, was used to desecrate the mural.

The Anti-Defamation Leagues database of hate symbols describes the sign as one of the most important and commonly used white supremacist symbols and highlights its common use by neo-Nazis, skinheads and the Ku Klux Klan.

The word Black was also painted over in white paint, leaving the slogan at the bottom to read simply, Lives Matter.

Mr Floyds surname has also had paint daubed over it.

Symon said: This is clearly someone with a ridiculous opinion, and I think it proves my point that racism still exists here.

This is still a massive problem.

Im ashamed of the people of Dundee.

Joy Gansh, a black activist and protest organiser, has also been left disgusted by the murals desecration.

She said: It is a shock, but honestly Im not really that shocked.

I knew this was going to happen, I just didnt think it would be so soon.

Its a slap in the face that theyve decided to counter BLM with this vandalism.

Mr Floyds death, which autopsies have shown was caused by a police officer kneeling on his neck for close to nine minutes, has provoked outrage in the USA and across the rest of the world.

The artist hoped that his work would show solidarity with those protesting, while shining a light on the existence of racism in Dundee.

Council leader John Alexander and his Conservative colleague for the Ferry, Philip Scott, are among those who have commented on the issue.

Police Scotland have been approached for comment.

Dundee graffiti artist shows support for Black Lives Matter with George Floyd mural

Go here to see the original:
Dundee mural to George Floyd defaced with 'white supremacist symbol' painted over his face - Evening Telegraph

Category: Anti-Defamation League
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