Symbols and Signs

Write / Photo

Change the meaning

The meaning of symbols or names can be hi-jacked and changed by organisations or people. The swastika, for example, is an ancient symbol meaning “well-being” that was in use in many different cultures for at least 5,000 years before Adolf Hitler made it the centerpiece of the Nazi flag. Its present-day use by certain extremist groups promotes hate, which is in total opposition to its original meaning.

Go for a walk and take photos of symbols that you see in your local area. Research the history of one of them online and then come up with a new meaning for it.

Inspiration:

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/history-of-the-swastika

https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-punisher-skull/

Upload a photo of the symbol and then write its new meaning in the text box, if you would like to share your response.

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