This was originally written yesterday but a full day of terrible internet prevented me from posting.
I’ve been thinking a lot about symbols, about symbolic victories and shallow signs of support.
It all started with bandaids.
First of all, I tend to injure myself with alarming frequency. I still have a bruise on my shoulder from running into my truck’s side mirror. I go through bandaids quickly and even use them while I sew to avoid cutting my fingers with the thread.
Months ago I read a comment from a man who was staring at a bandaid on his finger. It was the first time in his whole life the color of the bandaid matched his skin tone.
So when I saw that Walmart had these in stock I picked up a box along with my usual choice.
Later I wondered if I was being stupid, if it was just a symbolic purchase?
It’s symbolic, sure, but it’s also strategic. Even “woke” companies won’t manufacture and stock items that don’t sell and considering there were several on the shelf, I felt comfortable buying a box.
The choice was also considerate. If someone around me needs a bandaid, I have options to offer. I will likely wear them myself and, if anyone comments on the color, it opens up a conversation.
My whole life I’ve never thought about bandaids matching my skin color. I even go out of my way sometimes to get the bright ones, the Star Wars ones with C3PO…
Anyway, symbols have power which is why people were outraged with these Trump facemasks. Spot the problem:
that’s a terrible symbol of Nazi hatred toward Jews, Gypsies, gays, those with physical or mental disabilities… it’s a clear symbol of hate. Which is maybe why Trump supporters making the masks chose it.
Sometimes we think a symbolic gesture is fine, as long as it’s positive.
But symbolic gestures shouldn’t detract from real change.
Painting Black Lives Matter in the street shouldn’t be the end of the story. It should herald in fair access to voting, equality in job pay and opportunities and an overhaul of the policing system.
It’s easy for symbols to be empty promises but equally so to miscommunicate our values.
Context also matters, a linen sheet on the clothes line says country, fresh cotton, environmentalist. A linen sheet worn over the head, sewn into a peak, says racist, hateful, dangerous, idiot.
Choosing symbols is a personal choice but one that has public ramifications.
When it comes down to it I ask myself: Is this a symbol of love, inclusion, justice and devoid of bigotry? Or is this a symbol of exclusion, hatred, injustice past or present and opposed by those in vulnerable groups?
How I answer that question informs my choices on symbols — from bandaids to statues to face masks.