SumBlog 10 (Symbols)

Symbols serve to capture meaning--they stand for something else. For instance, if you were reading a fictional book and in the first line it mentioned that the male protagonist had "his trophy wife on his arm" what impressions would you form about him from that simple statement? Or if you saw a woman wearing a chardor or burka? Or if you saw a young black male wearing a gaudy gold necklace? Or a young Hispanic male with lots of tattoos? 



There are many symbols that we as society experience on a day to day basis. One very common symbol, especially in the United States of American is the idea of the cross. Alone this symbol does not have much meaning to it. The Christian religion puts a whole new meaning to this object and makes it sacred and no longer profane. 

The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the idea of forgiving sins and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is one of the best known religious symbols of the Christian religion.This symbol is maintained by many churches these days. It is common to see a cross at the front of the church facing the pews or audience. This symbol has historically existed in many Christian churches throughout the world.

In the Paul Berger reading he talks about ideas that coincide with the idea of symbol and having a mundane object become sacred. He talked about how men together produce society and the ideas in it. These symbols are made by society as individuals having the same interpretation of an object.

Overall, symbols are prevalent in society, past and present. They make up many of our beliefs and interpretations. Symbols give meaning to mundane objects and portray them as being sacred in society in some way.