Common Cultural Symbols
Symbols work like a code in society. Certain physical things represent abstract concepts. Some symbols we all know, like a heart equals love, a shamrock equals luck, and a flag stands for patrioism or nationalism. Sometimes symbols almost become slang. If you refer to someone as a snake or a cow, its not a compliment. Sometimes, symbols can have more than one meaning. If you call someone a fox, you could mean that they're sly or sneaky or that they're good looking.
Many common cultural symbols in American Society are based in American's Christian religious past. Just to reitterate and clarify, Mr. Palmer and Ms. Ringelspaugh are not in any way trying to convince you or push you to be any certain religion. We are, however, going to talk about how religion has impacted American history in a very factual way, including specific beliefs of groups of poeple in American history and how those beliefs have impacted, shaped, or changed American history. It's okay for us to say, "Some people believe this and this is what happened because of that. We strongly support your current religious beliefs, whatever they are.
Some common cultural symbols:
White = purity (Think wedding dresses)
Black = evil
Red/Blood = sacrafice
Water = cleansing (Think baptism)
Thunderstorm = change
Blue/Green = nature, peace
Sunshine = God's approval
Birds = freedom
Authors, directors, producers, and artists purposefully use symbols to communicate their theme on another level or to add evidence to their theme. Don't believe me that creators include symbols? Check out some of the examples from popular TV and movies below:
Many common cultural symbols in American Society are based in American's Christian religious past. Just to reitterate and clarify, Mr. Palmer and Ms. Ringelspaugh are not in any way trying to convince you or push you to be any certain religion. We are, however, going to talk about how religion has impacted American history in a very factual way, including specific beliefs of groups of poeple in American history and how those beliefs have impacted, shaped, or changed American history. It's okay for us to say, "Some people believe this and this is what happened because of that. We strongly support your current religious beliefs, whatever they are.
Some common cultural symbols:
White = purity (Think wedding dresses)
Black = evil
Red/Blood = sacrafice
Water = cleansing (Think baptism)
Thunderstorm = change
Blue/Green = nature, peace
Sunshine = God's approval
Birds = freedom
Authors, directors, producers, and artists purposefully use symbols to communicate their theme on another level or to add evidence to their theme. Don't believe me that creators include symbols? Check out some of the examples from popular TV and movies below:
From The Notebook:
From The O.C. Season 2, Episode 14
Lots of change happening in rainy California in this episode.
From Disney's Snow White:
From The Wizard of Oz:
From Beauty and the Beast:
Compare the two clips from different parts of the movie to see even more symbols.