Symbolism Update

I didn't realize while I was working on this post about potentially offensive symbolism, Ace was working on an extensive update here. And don't forget Jason's post which started it all for me.

Comments

[bobo]

mymy

[Cindi in PA]

Symbolism can be one thing to one person and have an entirely different meaning to another. Example,
The swastika has appeared in different forms, in different places and for different reasons, since prehistoric times. The meaning has been a "Wheel of Life," a "Sun-Wheel," the four points of the compass, the four winds, Man himself, a symbol of the Hopi emergence into the current world showing the directions taken by different tribes in their wanderings, many interpretations have been given to this most ancient symbol. Pre-WW II United States Army 45th Division patch used the swastika. I wear what one would consider a swastika when I wear my Celtic cross.
I am not buying into this symbolic bullshit as being evil or a sign of things to come.

[!]

PLEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

What next ? DAMN DAMN DAMN !

EARTH.....THE UNIVERSE'S INSANE ASYLYM !

I GIVE UP!!

[callmeBetty]

The design of this monument was chosen from over 1000 entries in an open design competition. Those entries are narrowed down to five winners, who are the only ones to maybe get financially reimbursed for their efforts. The jury, made up of other Architects and representatives from the community are responsible for picking the winning design.

That said, these competitions are open to anyone. They attract artists and visual thinkers. Many entries would have been theoretic and unbuildable. The Vietnam Memorial competition was won by a student; her entry was simple, elegant and spiritual moving. Not only that but it could be built within budget, lol. The final monument is considered to be very successful.

The winning design for Flight 93 Memorial is very similar. It is highly unlikely that the Architect was unaware of the symbolism or that the point was lost on the jury. I know for a FACT that this design proposal was not intended to be an affirmation in support of Islam - I know this person.

Monumental architecture is meant to be thought provoking and reach into our hearts and minds. I guess the jury thought that this design met those criteria. Plus, it can be built on budget, LOL. ;)

[Inquisitor]

Perhaps it is an attempt to symbolically appropriate Islam and subsume it within the western cultural persona so as to counter 'other' versions of it. It enables the floating vote a choice of two shores of berth which will enable it to still claim, even if it is only in name, to be an adherent of Islam, thus effectively severing Islamic familal consciousness.