Independent Trucks Changes Their Logo
If you've picked up a pair of Independent Trucks in the last couple weeks, you'll notice a big difference between the Indy's that came out months before. All the New Independent trucks have no cross logos on the baseplates.
This has been a huge topic of conversation over the last couple months. With some people claiming that the Independent trucks logo is offensive because it was loosely based off the iron cross, a symbol that was super popular in the surfing and motorcycle culture in 70's Southern California, but was also used in some nazi memorabilia.
Jim Phillips designer of the original logo did say he was inspired by the iron cross with the design, but tweaked it to make it his own, and actually ended up using a photo of the pope to draw inspiration for the final Independent trucks logo.
For now, Independent has pulled the cross logo from all their trucks and says a new logo is coming soon. The new Independent trucks logo will be first seen in the next issue of Thrasher Magazine.
Independent has started to phase out the cross logo. The new Independent trucks logo will be the logo featured on the new ads and everything moving forwards. The old logo is still coming out on a few clothing pieces moving forwards but will be phased out.
What are your thoughts on the logo controversy? Is it offensive and needs to be changed? Are people taking it out of context/ is it overkill? Let us know in the comments.
If you've picked up a pair of Independent Trucks in the last couple weeks, you'll notice a big difference between the Indy's that came out months before. All the New Independent trucks have no cross logos on the baseplates.
This has been a huge topic of conversation over the last couple months. With some people claiming that the Independent trucks logo is offensive because it was loosely based off the iron cross, a symbol that was super popular in the surfing and motorcycle culture in 70's Southern California, but was also used in some nazi memorabilia.
Jim Phillips designer of the original logo did say he was inspired by the iron cross with the design, but tweaked it to make it his own, and actually ended up using a photo of the pope to draw inspiration for the final Independent trucks logo.
For now, Independent has pulled the cross logo from all their trucks and says a new logo is coming soon. The new Independent trucks logo will be first seen in the next issue of Thrasher Magazine.
Independent has started to phase out the cross logo. The new Independent trucks logo will be the logo featured on the new ads and everything moving forwards. The old logo is still coming out on a few clothing pieces moving forwards but will be phased out.
What are your thoughts on the logo controversy? Is it offensive and needs to be changed? Are people taking it out of context/ is it overkill? Let us know in the comments.
Ever
It’s a bit hilarious how many people are scolding the “cry baby little bitches” for supposedly being on the lookout for any reason to be offended— meanwhile, they are the ones throwing a hissy fit and boycotting Independent for changing their logo. You do realize you are just (if not more) outraged and offended over something really stupid, right? If it’s just a logo and not a big deal then you shouldn’t give a shit if it’s changed to something else. And for the record, the cross logo was controversial from its inception! The artist who designed literally had to go digging for enough justification for using the iron cross design because they originally REJECTED the design for being “too Nazi”. So even they originally had reservations about the design before you ever went so far as tattooing a company’s logo on your body.
Jim Phillips, the artist behind the logo, says in his 2007 book “The Art of Jim Phillips”:
“…I began toying with the iron, or Maltese cross which was long gone as the old 60s surfer’s cross, and even longer dead as the biker’s cross. I used a beam compass to make it into a round shape, which looked completely different than the old square iron crosses… I took my idea into the NHS office the next morning and it went on the wall as usual. Jay and Rich each stared at it for a while, and they both thought that it looked a little too “Nazi”. My sketches were rejected and I was sent back to the drawing board. I went back to my studio determined to use it, knowing it was the one. I searched my archives and scrap file for some justification for using the symbol. I found a firefighter’s logo, symbols on the knights and Columbus sails. Then in my scrap file, under the letter P, I found a Time magazine cover of Pope John Paul from the June 18, 1979 edition. It was amazing; there was a cross on his vestments almost the way I designed mine. I marched into the office the next morning with the magazine to show what I thought was proof of acceptability. They both looked at each other and said, ‘Well, if the Pope has it, it must be okay!’ That was that, and the Independent cross was born.“
Enjoy your stupid boycott, Karens.
Maryellen Larkin
You know what truly irks me? It’s those who love to parrot the “go woke, go broke” nonsense whenever someone or something is leaning progressive.
I do honestly see a problem with the likes of Disney co-opting progressivism and/or inclusivity like the recent backlash over the Snow White remake where Rachel Zegler made a clown of herself with her statements over the original, not to mention my doubts over whether this woke capitalism of theirs is done with the kindness of their hearts (especially given their scummy business practices no less). What I do loathe are those right-wingers who use it as a convenient scapegoat for them to advance an equally vile agenda. I don’t see a problem with the old Independent logo as they went on record to state that it was derived from Pope John Paul II’s vestments (double the irony as he is Polish), not to mention that the Bundeswehr uses it to this day, but if they feel as though the iron cross has long been stigmatised, it’s their decision, not ours. I don’t see a point about making too much of a fuss about it.
Nola
This is total crap, I’m 42 years old and rode Indy trucks growing up and cannot believe that this is even a thing. I have the Indy Cross tattooed on my body and recently found out about this. People need to get over themselves and grow the fuck up!! What is this world actually becoming. A bunch of cry baby little bitches.
Phoenix
It seems like people are constantly on the look out for things to be offended by. If you don’t like something, don’t buy it. People need to realize there’s a difference between being actively harmed by something and being offended by something. When did it become our responsibility to coddle everyone’s preferences? To sneak around and make sure you don’t offend anyone. I’ve skated Indy’s for 30 years and I’ve always loved the logo. I’m bummed that it’s changing.
Jack
I have supported Independent for many years and had many trucks and apparel all sporting the logo. I am very annoyed that they decided not to take a solid stance on their logo and keep the original design. If anything I think they will lose plenty of business not gain any. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it Independent. Sometimes you have to stand up for what is right and being able to express yourself artistically is a privilege that we enjoy in this great country. Now I’m forced to go with Venture.