Symbols are powerful things. They are shorthand for what we believe in, and people have died for them - and what they symbolize - throughout history. National flags reflect those identities and values, and flags can also represent other self-defined groups. During Pride Month we see lots of flags in celebration of that community! Just recently the Democratic Party “reclaimed” the flag because it had become appropriated by Republicans as the symbol of their party - not the country as a whole.
The last several years we’ve been having a national discussion over what flags, signs and monuments exemplify our American ideals. What does an upside-down American flag mean today? Or a pine tree? One icon we can all agree on is – the Statue of Liberty! Or can we? Some of our recent immigration policies might suggest her welcoming torch is no longer a reality…
The Confederate Flag and the Nazi insignia indicate political stances that are rooted in the past but have seen a recent resurgence. (The Nazi symbol originally meant “well-being” in ancient Eastern religions.) As we re-examine the modern history of these symbols and what they glorify, we wonder how to reconcile our imperfect history. We’re also understanding that the hostility, violence and inequality represented continue to haunt some people in modern times.
Part of the discussion is, how far to go? Some try to eradicate history; others just want to move on. Can we somehow redeem those legacies? Germany did a commendable job of acknowledging the past and re-inventing themselves. Yet today aspects of that ugly history are again resurfacing.
The question becomes what to do about those outworn symbols. Each community and society needs to have the necessary dialog and find their own answers. Some statues are removed entirely, others re-envisioned by removing offensive depictions. Many are replaced with a historically significant person who exemplifies the lost aspect of history - or with something completely new or even abstract.
Some political groups make a statement by destroying the icons and meaningful symbols of those they are subjugating. I think of the Taliban in Afghanistan blowing up the world’s two largest standing Buddhas, carved into the side of a sandstone mountain. ISIS robbed the Iraqi museums of much that was of historical and cultural significance. Even moving an icon can cause controversy – like “Ten Commandments” plaques on public grounds.
As polarizing as these images can be, they can also be a starting point for conversation. When viewed on a spectrum, these signs DO represent the diversity we exemplify in the United States. After all, we are the only country made up of mainly of immigrants! All these different viewpoints not only represent our diversity, but our liberty and freedom of speech - so valued and admired in the world. And that IS something to celebrate!
Peace, love and healing -
Bear
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