0. Introduction & Overview

Introduction to Symbols & Society 

In this series of blogs, I provide materials from my La Trobe University subject, Symbols & Society. I introduce basic anthropological theories of symbols. These theories tell us what it is to be human.

Through the subject, the guiding question is: what understanding of humanity does each theory of symbols develop? Students will evaluate the questions each theory poses, as much as the answers it provides. Students will also be able to compare what each theory obscures with what it illuminates.

What is Anthropology?

Before proceeding with the subject, if you're new to anthropology, you might want to look at my "25 Concepts in Anthropology" presentations before plunging into the first topic in Week 1. Here's the first of the 25 presentations that form the series:

If you're already comfortable with the basics of anthropology, please move on to the next section "What is Anthropology of Symbols".

What is Anthropology of Symbols?

Why do anthropologists study symbols? Symbols cut to the core of our identity, of how we make our lives meaningful, and of what it is to be human. Symbols come in all shapes and sizes—dark clouds are a symbol of rain; a green light symbolizes “go”. But in this subject, we focus on symbols which, as far as we know, only humans can produce or ‘understand’. Some of these symbols might be shared by all humankind—the caring mother, the savior, the evil hag, for example. Others seem to be more specific; hunger for the Kwakwaka’wakw or the Virgin of Guadalupe for Mexicans. Either way, if we can figure out where these symbols emerge from, how these symbols work, and what they mean at deeper levels, we can also understand ourselves better. Maybe this 10-minute presentation better answer the questions "What is the Anthropology of Symbols?" and "Why study it?"

Here are the notes.

What isn't included in this subject?

In this subject, I am talking about everyday symbols. I am not studying art and poetry, which might use such unconventional symbols. So I am not talking about things famous poet T.S. Elliot and his use of arguments as a metaphor for streets!

Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question

And what did he 'mean' in those famous and elusive lines:

I should have been a pair of ragged claws. Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.:

You can study metaphor, simile, synecdoche, and other 'figurative' language and imagery under the discipline headings of "English", "Literature", and "Fine Arts".

Overview of this subject: Symbols & Society

In this course we consider different approaches to symbols. Indeed we will cover a diverse set of theories regarding symbols and how they relate to society. The following presentation will give you an overview of these:

 


What I hope you get out of this subject is an awareness of the pros and cons of each theorist. Then, balancing these, it's up to you decide which you think provide the most insight.

Applying theories to Gangsta Rap symbolism

To give you a sense of how the different theories might work, I consider how we can apply them to the symbolism of gangsta rap.

I reflect on the rich and vibrant symbolism of gangsta rap here. By the way, the violence and brutality of gangsta rap can be compared to the slaughterous power of Ndembu hunting clans described by Turner.

Anthropology & Orthodoxy

Anthropology is different from sciences like biology or physics. Almost all scholars of biology and physics at Universities agree that Newton, Darwin, Einstein are indisputably correct in aspects of their thinking. Anthropology provides a stark contrasts. No theorist is considered indisputably correct. Anthropologists are expected to be familiar with a wide variety of theories and be able to apply those that they find most useful to societies and cultures.

With that in mind, you're ready to move onto your first theory in Section 1. Symbols as Survivals.