Question

The same cultural symbol can have the different meanings to different groups. If you change a symbol only slightly it may change its meaning dramatically. Crosses in a math problem or on a church steeple or on fire in someone’s yard all have very different meanings. Can you think of other symbols whose meaning changes with the context it is used in?

Answer 1

Other symbols:

Flags are also a cultural symbol, that changes meaning when used in different context. For example, when a flag is thrown down on a floor or burnt, it signifies protest. If you are wearing a flag, you could be the presedential candidate. Also if the flag is hosted up on a building it signifies it to be a government building.

Gestures are also cultural symbols. For example, a handshake, a hug, the namaste. A hug will be apporpriate in a friendly social gathering, but may not be in different cultures. Post an interview one would give a handshake and not a hug.

The V sign, made by the fingers shown backwards is a symbol of peace in America, where as in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland it is used to signify defiance against authority.

The Swastika, in hinduism denotes universal change or the sun and chakra, whereas in the western world it is associated with the Nazi.