Why have symbols stirred such emotion throughout human history?

2015-06-24T11:24:23-04:00

Humans are people who use symbols to represent ideas, beliefs, political views, events, religions, organizations and more. I am fascinated by our human behavior throughout history to create symbols to represent pieces of our lives. What fascinates me more is how much importance is placed on sumbols; so much so that often the symbol takes on a life of its own. A symbol can stir love or hatred. We have used symbols throughout human history. But what is it exactly that makes symbols so powerful and often political?

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jun 24 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-06-24T11:37:21-04:00

Because they're symbols. They represent things to the people that see them and sometimes those things are closely held beliefs. All of those associations are what make a symbol even worth noting.

It's kind of like language. We like to say "words are just words" but really, what is a word but an extremely powerful symbol? When I say "Christian," what everyone hears is a mass of the things they associate with Christianity. When I say "Army," what I hear is structure, mission, fond and not so fond memories, friends, brothers, sacrifice. When a civilian hears "Army," I would hazard they are hearing "Platoon" by Oliver Stone and probably a fair bit of Full Metal Jacket because they don't know the difference between the Army and the Marines.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-06-24T11:42:44-04:00

Because people, as shown through history, that if one persons symbol is different is different from someone else, then that person is a heathen and must be repressed/oppressed and/or die.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-06-24T11:49:31-04:00

The human brain is wired for pattern recognition, and this goes beyond faces. When a meaningful connection is made to these patterns, our instincts almost universally dictate our behavior when exposed to these patterns, justified or otherwise.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/turn-me-on-dead-man/

Turn Me On, Dead Man

What do the Beatles, the Virgin Mary, Jesus, Patricia Arquette and Michael Keaton all have in common?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-06-24T12:03:16-04:00

Symbolism is probably one of the most important things to religion, politics, advertising... it's how we connect with the known and the unknown. With religion its how people connect with and develop a relationship with a deity; whether it be God and Jesus , Buddha, Vishnu (Hindu), Allah... Then we use these symbols to make the connection to direct the population in desired ways- ie. think of Nazi propaganda. It's all about taking a trusted symbol- because it is something that they trust and KNOW and is already followed- something that is already latched onto. Like the Battle Flag of Northern Virginia, became a symbol for southern heritage and pride and then adapted to hate when the KKK started using it. Its not the only meaning of the flag. But since its has been used for it.. It is now hard for the flag to break that tie.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 24 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-06-24T12:06:29-04:00

Because, as you know CH (MAJ) William Beaver Symbols are created for a reason, and through the years they mean many things to many people. The one's that seem to stir the most emotion are the ones that have come to be associated with Hatred and Oppression. Regardless of the origins and intent, this all comes down to perception. As you also, their are academics who spend their careers work with symbols, their history, meaning and understanding.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 24 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-06-24T12:09:16-04:00

I think it's because of what individuals did and used the symbols as a coat of arms so to speak. For example Hitler used the Swastika for the NEONAZI movement but the word Swastika means lucky or auspicious object. The Swastika is a symbol that generally takes the form of an equilateral cross, with its four legs bent at 90 degrees. It is considered to be a sacred and auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 24 at 2015 12:12 PM

2015-06-24T12:12:45-04:00

It's the ideas behind them the are powerful. The symbols are just clever tools to communicate those ideas quickly and simply.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 24 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-06-24T12:51:17-04:00

Symbols are able to convey more complex ideas more quickly than words (which are also symbols).

It's not that they themselves convey emotions, it's what they represent that does.

Think back to when you started driving. That's beginner Symbology. We don't think about a Stop Sign, we just acknowledge it. Anyone in the military that deals with a map has to deal with much more advances Symbology. Military symbols are like an entirely different language. A single picture can convey Threat Infantry Regiment or one of a thousand other possibilities.

The symbols used above do the same thing. They just happen to have A LOT of history tied to them, which in turn has emotion and are more Subjective in nature.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-06-24T13:39:41-04:00

Symbols have no specific definition to any group of people. For years, I wore a cross not only because I love God, but also because my mom had given it to me just a year or two before she passed away. So that right there affected what that cross meant to me. I think it's these individual representations they have toward certain people that make them truly meaningful, popular, and powerful. Symbolism in literature is another thing, and being someone who writes poetry, it's very important to me. People will read my rhymes and know the definitions of the words I write, but they'll never understand what I truly meant by those words, and how I said them. This Confederate Flag thing that's been making rounds, it's because to some, it represents hatred and racism where to those who fly it, it represents heritage and family and a fight for rights. Symbols mean so much to some people, because of things they've experienced or maybe how they grew up.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 24 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-06-24T16:22:32-04:00

This symbol for instance, stirs up mixed emotions :-)

Powerful, to the point when needed, silent, no words needed to convey meaning, dangerous to use, but very stress relieving after using it. Often reserved for when someone cuts you off on the highway.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 24 at 2015 5:05 PM

2015-06-24T17:05:37-04:00

This symbol has been with me for a long time.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 25 at 2015 2:00 AM

2015-06-25T02:00:32-04:00

Symbolism in my opinion has always been a big part of any culture, whether it be political, military, religious, you name it.

You can even see it in the motorcycle world. To a biker, we know the difference between a one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece "cut" whereas people not part of the culture see us bikers wearing our vests and assume that we're all in an "outlaw motorcycle gang," and I or my biker brothers and sisters have to explain the difference between a 1%, three-piece MC (motorcycle club), two-piece MC, and one-piece Mom and Pop MC or RC (Riding Club).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-07-17T13:02:16-04:00

I think it is inherent to human nature. We are social being and want to identify as being part of a group, as being accepted socially and this is why we identify with symbols that stem from our beliefs, affiliations, and other areas of our lives. The military would be a great study on symbolism as we identify each other by our patches, medals, .... There was a movement in some countries to ban the use of specifically religious symbols in order to limit social hostilities. http://www.pewresearch.org/daily-number/rising-religious-restrictions-around-the-world-include-wearing-of-religious-symbols/

Rising Religious Restrictions around the World Include Wearing of Religious Symbols

In mid-2010, religious attire and other symbols were regulated in 57 countries, up from 21 countries in mid-2007.

Response by Sam Golg made Sep 29 at 2022 8:05 AM

2022-09-29T08:05:58-04:00

Response by PO3 Victor Maids made Sep 29 at 2022 8:19 AM

2022-09-29T08:19:11-04:00

Idk, we all live in symbols, they're everywhere

Response by Sam Golg made Sep 29 at 2022 8:26 AM

2022-09-29T08:26:27-04:00

Symbols were a type of communication before humanity developed languages. I think that's why it's such an important part of our life. We see them everywhere, it's an integral part of any culture. I've recently researched symbols of success to pass my exams, and these guys https://fengshuinexus.com/lifestyle/5-feng-shui-symbols-for-success-in-exams/ shared a lot of interesting ones. I don't know if it works or not but I got a highest mark. But in my opinion, we must give less attention to it now.

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