The Power and Limits of Symbolism

[sheshe2]

*************************African-American Group*******************




I remember back in 1984 when I first heard rumors that Walter Mondale was considering the possibility of nominating a woman as his Vice Presidential running mate, my reaction was pretty dismissive. I thought, "Pffttt...another woman in a supporting role, no big deal."

But then as I watched him actually announce that Geraldine Ferraro would be his running mate, I cried. The tears totally surprised me - I didn't see them coming. Their source was not my rational mind. Instead, they came from something very deep inside.

I saw the same kinds of tears on the faces of people at Grant Park in Chicago on the night Barack Obama was elected in 2008.



That is the power of symbolism. It touches the place that needs to hear, "You belong." Whoopi Goldberg captured that very well the next morning when she said, "I've always considered myself an American, but for the first time last night, I felt like I could finally put my bags down." We should never underestimate the power of "you belong" for people who have felt marginalized in our culture. It is not something that we articulate often on a rational basis, but it resides deep in our being.

On the other hand, there are limits to symbolism. There is a lot more that goes into making up our identity than the fact that we are a woman, or African American, or a member of another group that has been marginalized. We are complex human beings with a variety of thoughts and feelings when it comes to politics.

Read More: http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-power-and-limits-of-symbolism.html

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This is a good read.

[MeNMyVolt]

1. K&R. Good read. BUT!

I can't forgive Ferraro for later sins.

I love that Samrtypants person!