Blog 10: Finding Symbols

Symbols are objects that appear ordinary, but carry special significance based on designation from society. Many symbols are experienced everyday, but not given much though such as stop signs, handicap parking spots, or signs for restaurants. One such symbol that we see everyday, one such symbol in this country is the cross. This object is used to symbolize the Christian religion, which is the dominant one in the United States. The cross gains special significance by what it represents to individuals of the Christian faith. It stands for their deity in human form giving its life for all the sins of people. The shared meaning for this object continues to exist after all this time due to the prominence of Christianity as the main religion in our country. This object is traditional and is passed down through the stories and teachings of Christians through the generations. 

In his writing Peter Burger mentions symbols vaguely in how people give meaning to these through creating society. That it's natural for human beings to create symbols and give them true meaning in order to enhance their quality of life. Symbols can be both beneficial and harmful in society depending on the context in which they are used. Symbols can be helpful in uniting people under a common one such as the American flag. This is successful in uniting people and providing a sense of unity under a common grouping. However, they can also be used as a target, such as when people burn flags which enrages individuals who care about that symbol and what it stands for. These symbols can also be used as justification for treating others differently, as with how the Jewish stars were used during the Holocaust to single out individuals of the Jewish faith. 

                                                      A cross, which symbolizes Christianity.