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- Symbol
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- Symbol/Index
#1) The picture of Syracuse University’s old mascot, the Saltine Warrior. This is a symbol because it is simply a statue visually referring to our once mascot. This is located right in front of Carnegie Hall, near the Quad. This location is significant because it is in the center of the campus and near the walk to the Carrier Dome where our athletic teams play. This means that as the traffic of people goes by it, it is a symbol of our school spirit we have for our old mascot and a historical visual to remember the Saltine Warrior. It is trying to control that we never forget our old mascot, among current students, alumni and the community.
#2) The picture of the no smoking sign is an icon that directly represents “Smoking? Don’t do it,” (with appropriate cultural experience). This same sign is located outside the computer lab door in Link Hall. This location depicts the fact that even though the mass public knows of the smoke free New York laws, administration at SU is strictly enforcing the fact that they don’t want people smoking in the computer labs because of the damage it could cause. This is trying to control no smoking but even though the majority of people already know not to smoke in public buildings, the excess signs saying this tells you how strictly enforced no smoking has become in these types of locations.
#3) The road sign of the biker falling off his bike is a mix between a symbol and an index. It’s a symbol because it is a visual representation of danger ahead for bikers and it is an index because it is telling that biker of the potential danger they might encounter and to be cautious of the situation. The location of this sign is in Portland, Oregon before upcoming train tracks. This means that the sign is a common sense thing to be aware of going over train tracks so you don’t fall off. It is trying to control the dangers that someone might have if they trip their bike tires and get knocked out on the tracks when a train is coming. It is trying to control and minimize injuries one might encounter.
February 3, 2010 at 11:13 pm |
Hi Vincent. Just a couple questions here about these interesting choices for signs. First, is statue also an icon? Second, is the second also a symbol and an index as well as a sign? Laurie
February 4, 2010 at 6:46 pm |
I like the fact that you used the Saltine Warrior as one of your images. I agree with you that it is a symbol because it represents our history and spirit as a strong University. I think that a lot of people don’t understand the Saltine Warrior and just think that we have always had Otto as our mascot. Also I agree with your point about the location, a lot of people do see it as they walk to the dome. Additionally, I like the yellow sign with the biker. I agree with you that it is both a symbol and a index. Where did you find this picture? The no smoking sign is a classic sign that everyone notices. I see your point that it is based on cultural experiences, but can it also be based on health standards? Can people put up the sign to urge people to stop smoking? Do you think this would be an effective sign to post?
February 4, 2010 at 7:17 pm |
I agree with the first picture that it is, in fact, a symbol. The Saltine Warrior itself is an arbitrary representation of Syracuse Athletics because of its place on campus. Had this statue been somewhere where there was no other meaning, this warrior would just be an icon or a picture of the thing in the world.
I feel number two is a combination of icon and symbol. The iconic portion of this sign is the cigarette itself. Where the picture of the cigarette represents the cigarette itself. The symbolic part of the sign is the circle with the line through it. In our society, this symbol arbitrarily means “Do not’. The combination of the symbol and the icon literally mean “do not cigarette” The cigarette itself, though, is representing an action. This action is referred to as smoking. So when this sign is placed anywhere in our society, it is interpreted as “do not smoke”.
I agree with everything for number 3 except that I also believe that the use of icons is involved to communicate a message to the bike riders. The icons are the bike and the stick figure in the sign.