360 words

Symbols have always been important parts of the human experience. For this project, I want you to think about the symbols that define our/your culture and society today, and how they are sometimes used and abused by certain groups (including groups that promote pseudoarchaeology) to create and promote their ideology.

First, read the following article, which talks about the history and multiple meanings of symbols such as the swastika and the confederate flag:

https://www.sapiens.org/culture/symbols-shifting-culture/ (Links to an external site.)

With this article in mind, identify one other symbol which you think is important in your world today. This symbol can be religious, national/patriotic, political, economic, etc. Then, answer the following questions in a brief presentation:

What is this symbol? What does it represent?

Thinking like an archaeologist, tell me how this symbol is materialized – where does it show up? In what kinds of places, objects, and situations?

What does this symbol say about what society (or a part of it) considers valuable, good, or bad?

Has this symbol been used or abused for a particular agenda? How? By whom? For what purpose?