on the power of symbols
i.e. flags

dr regis has asked me to pen a few words relating to the power, intent, and referents of symbols

the general consensus seems to be that the power of a symbol to unite, mobilize and/or incite to action is the environment in which that symbol is manifested and the shared --common--  experiences which that symbol designates. furthermore, that, because representations of a symbol are identical to the ideological and emotional import of that symbol, any alterations or misuse may subtract from its power to unite, mobilize or call to action. 

i believe that there is an inherent fallacy in the argument.

the first statement would suggest that the occasions of use or manifestation ought to be such that the shared experiences of a folk are specifically called upon. but if there is an  increased use and thus the continual calling forth the remembrances of shared experiences in order to incite to action, then, following the law of diminishing returns, the power to incite to action will gradually lessen.

the second statement suggests that the referent of a symbol is, indeed, the symbol itself. this notion frequently leads citizens to develop ceremonies --how-to behavior-- regarding the proper storage, care, use, and  decommissioning of the symbol. the notion also leads us to focus more upon the symbol itself rather than upon the referent. and this may well lead to a recitation of a vague catalogue of attributes or virtues when a person is asked to explain what a specific symbol means. 

today the occasions of use are suspect: i cannot understand what virtues are referenced with red, white and blue underwear or bras. i cannot understand the referenced virtues of crosses worn by prostitutes or drug peddlers. 

i have read that during the late classical period of greece and the period of roman expansion preceding the pax romana, that battle units devised their own 'banners' carried into conflict. and that these units whether or not composed of conscripts, were formed around some unifying theme such as locale, trade, background or place of birth. 

i have an acquaintance, a man over 70 who lives down the block. he is a veteran. on national holidays he flies the american flag. he does not have a flag license plate, flag underwear (so he says), flag pin on his hat or flag on anything else. to him the occasion of use is limited and specific. after 24 hours, he folds it up and puts it into his dresser with all his guayaberas. his ancestors arrived here before mine. his flag has 48 stars on it. but in his den he has a wall that is covered with renditions of american flags, 21 in all and every one handsomely painted on the birth or death date of a relative...each with a specific notation that references his personal time and space and specific object of concern.... each flag is a moment of reverence. 

sometimes i wonder what constellation might be referred to by the flag armstrong left on the moon.

and the american flag, the one he washes his hands before handling; the one, that when asked the question he has no need to answer, is folded in his drawer, waiting... for an occasion when all his needs are echoed in a single and silent breath. 

Cdur545
Chapel Hill,NC
April 20th, 2003