week7-- What symbols do we see, and how do they influence our behavior? --WU WENHAO

WU WENHAO,2021080464

Summary

We’ve been talking about symbolic interactionism, a theory by Herbert Blumer that explains how people act based on the meanings things have for them. These meanings aren’t fixed. They come from social interaction, and they can shift depending on the context or the people involved. Basically, we don’t just react to what something is, but to what it means to us.

One key idea is symbolization—how ordinary things like objects, people, or events take on special meanings. For example, a flag isn’t just fabric; it can stand for a country, values, history, or even protest. That’s why some people burn it—it’s not about the material, but about what the flag represents to them. These meanings shape how we behave, sometimes even without us noticing.

Interesting Discovery

What really surprised me is how many symbols are around us all the time, and how much they actually affect how we think or act. Take something simple like a yellow ribbon. I’ve seen it before, but I didn’t really know what it meant. Now I’ve learned that in some places it’s a sign of remembrance, support, or waiting for someone. That tiny symbol carries a big emotional message depending on who you ask.

What really made me pause was the example of people burning the U.S. flag. I used to think that was just an extreme reaction, but now I get that it's about challenging what the flag symbolizes to them. For some, it stands for freedom; for others, it might represent injustice. The object itself doesn’t change, but the meaning does—and that’s what drives people’s emotions.

It made me wonder how many things I react to without even realizing it’s because of a symbol I’ve been taught to value.

Discussion Questions

When I saw the example of people burning the American flag, I was confused at first. To me, a flag has always stood for national pride or unity. But then I realized that for others, it might represent oppression or injustice. That made me wonder: How can the same symbol mean completely different things to different people?

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