I wasn't sure what other name to give this thread, but both of the questions pertain to things being considered offensive, both physically and emotionally.
1. I am planning on bringing my lightsaber to Eurofurence. Whilst I am familiar with the procedure for registering at con ops before being allowed to play with it at a convention, the main concern is getting it there. Whilst it could easily fit in my bag (I had to order the shorter blade so I can do so), it's the hilt I am worried about. It looks pretty menacing.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xm4u4JkpKZQ/maxresdefault.jpgAnd if not handled correctly, could be quite painful. I have my concerns as to whether it will need to be declared when I go through customs, or whether it'll be permitted through. I can wrap it up in bubble wrap to keep it safe, but how would I explain, particularly in German, what it actually is?
2. The second question I have is whether something is considered emotionally offensive. My character features a variation of a Celtic Cross on his chest, which looks like this.
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/runescape2/images/1/11/Zaros_symbol.png/revision/latest?cb=20160101093125My main problem is whether said Celtic Cross could be considered offensive. I try to make sure that whatever symbols I use are not politically incorrect or couldn't be considered so, but sometimes it's hard to know. I've read that some fascist groups have tried to adopt a Celtic Cross, particularly in red, as their emblems, and the Celtic cross shown in the link is featured in red. There was a scenario where a fursuiter had the confederate flag incorporated into their fursuit, and it prompted some serious negative backlash with some people actually looking to sabotage, which I most certainly don't want happening because of a minor misunderstanding. Even though the design I use it not strictly the same as the convention Celtic cross, what with the centre being rotated 45 degrees, but I am wondering if that slight alteration could make it offensive. Is this symbol known around Germany, or by extension Europe, as being offensive?
Thank you.