Ask Marilyn: A Reader Faces a Shocking Symbol in Math Class

Douglas Schwartz of Shokan, New York, writes:

Marilyn: I have a story similar to that of the father of the young dancers. (July 17, 2012) When I was a math student in college, I was in a modern geometry class when the professor unexpectedly drew a picture of a huge swastika on the blackboard. He then announced that the figure is rich with geometrical properties! I am Jewish, as were many of my classmates, and I was aghast. I found your response to the father excellent!

Marilyn responds:

I'm sure he meant only to get his students' attention--which he surely did--but what an insensitive blockhead.