Boomer Musings: What's In A Flag?

Words to live by...

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and to rest afterward."

[Spanish Proverb]

Ius luxuriae publice datum est

(The right to looseness has been officially given)

"Everyone carries a part of society on his shoulders," wrote Ludwig von Mises, "no one is relieved of his share of responsibility by others. And no one can find a safe way for himself if society is sweeping towards destruction. Therefore everyone, in his own interest, must thrust himself vigorously into the intellectual battle."

Apparently, the crossword puzzle that disappeared from the blog, came back.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

What's In A Flag?

Big fuss over the Confederate flag after that mass killing in Charleston, South Carolina. In fact, people appear to be fixated on it.

I can understand that. It is waved by racists all over this country, that's clear, and as a symbol it is quite potent.

But I was given some advice a long time ago that went: Don't give someone power over you by reacting they way he or she wants. I think that also applies to symbols. It offends, I get that. And maybe if I was black, I would be very offended... perhaps to the point of action. But I hope I wouldn't act out of emotion. Because that is what symbols do to us... arouse emotions.

And sometimes that's not good.

3 comments:

Tal Hartsfeld said...: It's all about imagery. The psychological association with inanimate objects of certain design or shape. Things mean what one WANTS them to.

By the way: Charleston is in SOUTH Carolina.
(...unless you're talking about Charleston Missouri ...); June 24, 2015 at 12:36 PM
Douglas said...: Tal, you are right about the state. My bad... corrected. And I heartily agree with you about the symbolism.; June 24, 2015 at 12:56 PM
T.C. said...: That's unforgivable. The mistake. Three lashes for you. As for the flag, it's an empty diversion. Ridiculous really.; June 30, 2015 at 9:07 PM