signs, symbols and meaning

Signs and symbols are truly everywhere, which is why I think I’m struggling with this blog more than the others--because we are so consumed in signs, meanings, metaphors etc. that it’s hard to pick a specific example. So I’ll do my best to make sense of the way in which meaning and symbols can be changed and why it happens.

The story of the silk stockings brought up the idea of status, and how Mrs. Sommers saw these silk stockings as a sign of social standing. For many consumers this is the case, buying a popular brand name symbolizes a kind of social standing and looking at what a person is wearing, or buying etc can sometimes even tell you a little bit about that person.

With the Oscars coming up I’ve been thinking about how they present themselves and the various symbols that exist in that context. The current economic situation is affecting the often sought after ‘glamorous’ life of the stars and I believe in a way they are forced to alter their image. When the economy wasn’t struggling--the more diamonds and the more money spent on clothing and parties, the better the stars image. Don’t get me wrong, this glamorous lifestyle is still idolized and still exists, but stars are also aware that with such tough times their fans might have mixed feelings about spending so much money on such trivial things.

Michelle Obama’s inauguration gown was another example of this idea. Her gown was designed by a young, not-well-known designer and became a symbol. By choosing that dress, and that designer it showed the country that you don’t need high-end designers to look great, and that she doesn’t put emphasis on material things.

Symbols, signs and meaning can truly be found everywhere. And discovering the meaning isn’t always easy but it’s interesting to look into various signs and determine why and how meanings are developed and under what conditions they can change, or be interpreted differently.