The Power of a Symbol

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

A symbol is an object that is used to express a certain meaning in society. It is not the reality or truth intended to be expressed. Symbols are powerful objects. They are means through which social cultures and ideologies are represented (McIntyre 95).

People use symbols to derive a sense of their environment, identity, and cooperation. They are a basic means human beings use to understand the environment. They can also be used as a perception or basis for the conception of knowledge within a society. Symbols carry multiple meanings. This varies from one culture to another. However, a foreign culture can influence the meaning of a symbol (McIntyre 95). When people view how foreigners interpret a symbol, they also interpret it the same way.

Main body

According to McIntyre, symbols may be words, images, sounds, or gestures. For example, a scarlet octagon is used to mean stop (McIntyre 95). All over the world, this symbol is seen along the roads to give instructions to the drivers. The meaning of a symbol is different according to different cultures. McIntyre describes a rose as a symbol of love and compassion. Certain actions are done symbolically. For example, the burning of a country’s national flag is an expression of antagonism and resentment (McIntyre 95). When a flag is saluted, it is a show of patriotism to that country. Symbols are means of complex communication with multiple meanings. The heart symbol also referred to as the secret heart, represents love (McIntyre 100).

Several explanations have been put forward about the human heart. Some people associate this symbol with something erotic in nature, especially when an arrow passes through it (McIntyre 95). Others associate it with the pain one suffers in the heart when in love. The symbol is very old with no clear origin. It signifies love. Globally, every year, people use this symbol to show their love for someone. In the Catholic Church, it is the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ (McIntyre 95). They take it to be the heart of Jesus to physically represent his divine love for human beings. This is an explanation of how a symbol is powerful. In this case, it is a critical tool to the faith of Catholics. At the same time, it causes controversy. A section of the Catholic Church especially the Eastern Catholic Churches view it as an example of Liturgical Latinisation (McIntyre 100)

Conclusion

Since ancient times, symbols have been instruments of the transformation of the human environment. While most symbols are thought to contain obvious meaning, most of them are several centuries old. Therefore, they carry a more complex and hidden meaning only known to the designers. Symbols transform meaning when used over a long period (McIntyre 90). For instance, the swastika which was once a symbol for peace is now a symbol for hatred after Hitler used it during his reign. Hitler, who led the Germans, was a brutal leader. He killed many people in the world. The mention of his name is associated with hatred. Every symbol he used in his leadership is now associated with evil. The use of a symbol can change its good meaning and become evil. Finally, symbols are here to stay and will continually influence humanity for a long time (McIntyre 90).

Works Cited

McIntyre, Lisa. The Practical Skeptic: Core Concepts in Sociology. New York: McGraw- Hill press, 2010. Print.

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The Power of a Symbol

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