@shel has been talking about this and it's really changing the way I view this issue too.
Members of the DSA need to let go of the hammer and sickle. Even if you think "but actually" or have some justification on why you think it's okay to use it, that doesn't matter.
The average person has negative feelings when they see "☭".
They think ironic /r/FULLCOMMUNISM humor and can't take it seriously.
They think about the USSR, a failure and definitely not a shining example of socialism.
(1/n)