The Power of a Symbol

(This has sparked some emotions with some folks. Before you comment, and I welcome comments, I invite comments, please read the other comments made and my response)

I am a white male, middle class American. And, as such, I have lead a pretty sheltered life. Sure I see atrocities and famine and hatred and decease but only the media, while enjoying the comfort of my living room couch.

Two weeks ago, on Wednesday night, 3 separate incidents of cross burnings were reported in Durham. The sites were, from what I can tell, not in the front yards of individuals. And based on the news reports really not at particularly racially charged areas of the city. But there where reports of some KKK literature found at least one of the sites. Someone, I guess, wanted to make a statement but were not very particular about where they made it.

For the past couple of weeks, after the burnings, there has been significant news coverage. The Mayer is making speeches and the police are investigating, there are prayer vigils going on... Now, the FBI is involved. For me there is much to much being made of the events. In fact all the attention is, I imagine, exactly what the perpetrations were counting on. It seems counter productive. It seem like it is encouraging further demonstrations and similar acts. The Cross burning is really not the topic I want to investigate here. More the symbol and how it affects individuals and the community.

What makes the Burning of the cross different? I do not remember the racial tensions of the 60s and 70. It did not reach suburbia Virginia or perhaps I just did not notice. If I were black or the crosses were burning in my front yard, I might... no, I am sure I would feel differently. But I struggle with the attention being given here. After all, the burning cross is just a symbol, albeit a strong symbol but just a symbol. The actions were apparently not directed at a particular individual, not over violent actions or threats were made against any persons. Other than open burning on public property, against local laws within city limits, the KKK or whoever has the right to display the symbol. Why is this a federal case?

There are plenty of symbols out there can offend people. Heck do you know how many crosses are in public places. Just as the burning of the cross or the swastika represents hatred and violence to some, There have been plenty of people killed and persecuted under the guys of Christianity. Yet, it is acceptable to display the cross... or the Star of David or the Flag of the United states.

I am in no way condoning the probable intent of the Durham cross burning; To announce hatred for, disdain for the black community. And in fact there may be implied threat of violence to some. None of those things I believe in or support. Just as I have no intent of displaying a swastika or the confederate flag. But it is because I do not believe in what those symbols represent. And I have some level of respect for those people around me that may, based on the historical significance of these symbols, take offence to displaying therefore implicitly supporting them. I do not display a crucifix, a star of David or the flag of Communist China. However, I will, on occasion display the American flag. Because I believe in and am proud of, in principal, what it stand for. More accurately I believe in what it stand for TO ME. And it stand for my right to believe in, however misguided it may be, what ever I want to believe in. To practice those believes as long as it does not bring harm to others.

Burning a cross is politically insensative, particularly in this part of the country, specially in Durham where racial tensions are on the rise. Moreover I have no problem with people expressing their disdain for the symbols and displaying their own beliefs. But other than the fact there was an open flame within the city limits and the flames and the symbols were displayed without permit on public properties, It should not be a pursued as a crime, specially a federal crime. It is a Symbol of someone's beliefs.

I don't like folks waving confederate flags around, or hanging them in the pickup truck, draped over their gun rack. It makes me cringe a bit. To me it means "screw you I am an redneck and proud of it". Do I tear the flag off the truck? No, of course not, but because of more than self preservation and the legality of the action. I respect their right to believe in what they believe in; as misguided as it may be. When I see someone with the confederate flag sewn across their jean jacket, Instead of taking offence I think to myself, "Thank you very much for letting me know that you are no one I want to associate with." Prejudice, sure. I am sure there are plenty of confederate flag waving folks who are good people. But the fact is the symbol means "red neck" to me and I do not subscribe to that way of thinking.

Folks make a conscious decision to display symbols, often to affiliate themselves with a cause and/or to attract like minded individuals. The effect in some cases, intended or not is also to repel opposite minded individuals. I will use me as an example. Christians wear the crucifix to identify themselves as Christians. I admit that, without knowing an individual, I will be more careful in the words I choose or topics I discuss with that person until I know them better if they are openly displaying a crucifix. I find myself avoiding overtly "Christian" individuals. Mostly because I just don't want to be "saved" or judged by Christian standards of conduct, or have to listen to the drivel. My point is that the crucifix, the symbol, has that affect on me and how I interact with people. Is that the intended affect for most folks that wear a crucifix? Probably not.

The symbols you display say a lot to folks around you but is it the message you intent to send? I wear, on occasion, the Lance Armstrong "Live Strong" arm band. I wear it because I think his story is incredible and I want to support his efforts in finding a cure for cancer. I do not intend it to mean that I am gay. But I have heard, in some circles, a yellow arm band indicates homosexuality. Along those lines, I was listening to NPR yesterday. There was some anthropologist/sociologist on talking about marketing to the gay community. I did not hear the whole story but apparently in the early part of the 1900's wearing a red necktie was a symbol indicating the wearer was homosexual. You know how often I have worn a red tie? In both cases some folks may have been disappointed to find they misinterpreted my intentions.

I do not concern myself with every single potential interpretation every potential symbol. But like it or not you have to be careful about the message others receive. I try and represent myself in the things I wear and the products I buy etc.. Still, I am sure there are folks around the world that would take one look at me and hate what I represent to them. I do consider how others perceive me. Specially if it might affect me directly; my being considered for a job or how others directly interact with me or my family. But at some point the problem is theirs not mine.

I do not want to belittle the tragedy and suffering that occurred under the sign of the swastika or the terror instilled by the burning cross. They have significant historical weight and dredge up deep emotions for many but Symbols are just signs. They hurt only those who let themselves be hurt by them. To the folks in Durham who are in an uproar because they feel they are being attacked by the burning crosses, In today Durham, those crosses are more a symbol of ignorance than symbols of hatred. Symbols of the ignorance of those who believe in what they represent.