I’m sure there are
books and discussions out there on the importance of symbols to humankind since
the beginning of recorded history. But, I cannot remember ever having seen or
read anything that spoke on the subject in the broad sense.
The recent
argument over the Confederate flag has sharpened my interest on the topic. Let
me say that this is not about that, not specifically. It simply got the thought
process ginning. My thoughts here are more questions than answers because I certainly
don’t have answers, just thoughts.
It is odd to me,
though, that what is in the heart of a person is not enough and apparently
never has been. We must devise flags, medals, obelisks, carvings, jewelry,
idols and myriads of other things to bolster a belief and proclaim it to the
world and, sometimes, meant to divide and conquer. More often than not it seems
symbols are designed and meant to herald superiority and divisive thinking, to
the detriment of harmony within the human family.
I suppose I need to
offer my personal opinion on the subject of symbolism, since this is my
discussion after all. And, I may very well prove to be the odd man out with my
views. That’s okay. It certainly won’t be first time I’ve stood alone with an
opinion. Symbols mean little to me, as a general rule. For example: I’ve been
married forty five years and have never worn a wedding band. If I need a
reminder that I’m married or a reminder to tell people I’m married, then the
marriage is not that solid, and may have been questionable from the beginning.
Here’s another example that might make some people cringe: I don’t need to see
a cross, have one hanging in my house, or around my neck to remind me of my
Christianity or to tell people of those beliefs. That’s enough personal
examples. That should give you some background on my thoughts.
I do understand
that symbols serve as guiding beacons, such as stop signs, logos, flags, and
other objects. But, that is not what I’m referring to, not exactly. I’m talking
specifically about escalating the value of a symbol, any object, beyond its
usefulness as a ‘guiding beacon’. Somewhere along the way, the importance of
some symbols are deified or demonized unto themselves and elevated to the level
of gods or devils. And, they are neither, but rather simple representations
that should do nothing more than to guide a person toward, or away from,
something.
I would be
interested in hearing or reading other people’s thoughts on the subject now
that the door has been thrown wide, wide open on the subject of symbols and
their importance in our lives. What do you think?
