The Power of Symbols
Reclaiming symbols of oppression
for movements of liberation
By Ruan Thiele
Symbols hold immense power in our visually driven society, influencing perceptions and mobilising people. Michael Bierut, an influential critic and graphic designer, suggests that symbols do not have inherent meanings; these meanings are built over time through usage. This idea underscores the transformative potential of symbols, which can change societal perceptions and mobilise movements. Symbols like the Apple logo and the Nike swoosh have evolved from simple images to representations of globalised technology and relentless drive, respectively.
This adaptability of symbols implies that their meanings can shift based on how they are used and by whom. While symbols can ignite positive change, they can also incite fear and discrimination. However, liberation movements have successfully appropriated symbols associated with oppression to create positive social change.
Raise a Fist
The raised fist, now a ubiquitous symbol of resistance, was originally used by the Soviet Union in propaganda and the dismantling of the Russian monarchy, later being used to signify the power and control of the working class under communist rule. Over the last half-century, this association with state authority has been overthrown by liberation movements and democratic socialist political parties to denote the overthrowing or challenging of societal norms and established power structures.
Most notably, the Black Power Movement in the 1960s reclaimed the fist to symbolise unity and strength in the fight against racial inequality. The Black Panther Party used it to signify their commitment to civil rights and the empowerment of African Americans. This transition transformed the raised fist into a symbol of liberation and resistance against oppression.
In recent years, the raised fist has been linked to many protest movements, from Occupy Wall Street to the global Black Lives Matter demonstrations, illustrating the lasting power of design to drive social change and create unifying symbols for mobilisation.
Pink is for Power
The pink triangle, initially used by the Nazi regime during the Holocaust to identify and persecute homosexual men and transgender women, became a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against the LGBTQ community.
In the 1980s, LGBTQ civil rights organisations, most notably ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), reclaimed the symbol during the AIDS crisis. They flipped the triangle’s downward direction to communicate action, turning it into a signifier of LGBTQ lives lost due to prejudiced political ideologies. In recent years, the symbol and its original slogan “Silence = Death” have been appropriated by the pro-Palestine support movements to resemble a sliced watermelon, a symbol of the oppression of the Palestinian flag.
The pink triangle now serves as a reminder of LGBTQ struggles globally and has become a symbol of solidarity and a call to action for equality and human rights, transforming a label of prejudice into an emblem of pride.
Kingdom of Anarchy
Symbols are not limited to graphic icons or shapes; any visual representation that communicates a specific message can be seen as a symbol. Jamie Reid’s design for the Sex Pistols’ "God Save The Queen" single cover exemplifies this. The defaced portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, using a photograph from her Silver Jubilee, represented the tearing down of the establishment by the marginalised.
Initially controversial, the image has become synonymous with the 1970s British Punk movement, which sought to challenge the oppressive social and political structures of the time, epitomised by the British monarchy and signifying its resistance and anti-establishment sentiments. This transformation illustrates how symbols can be repurposed to challenge oppressive social and political structures.
The Power of Symbols
Symbols hold immense power, conveying complex ideas and emotions through 3 established associations. They can mobilise people and create impactful societal change when used effectively. However, authoritarian regimes have misused symbols to foster prejudice and incite violence. In response, marginalised communities have reclaimed and reappropriated oppressive symbols to represent hope and resistance, reclaiming their power and fostering liberation.
Reappropriating oppressive symbols involves redefining their meanings to align with liberation values and goals. This challenges historical narratives and unites people around a shared vision for impactful change. These principles also apply to logo design for NGOs and nonprofits. Symbols associated with these organisations should resonate deeply, mobilise communities, and amplify their messages. Effective symbols foster support, education, and visual storytelling, driving impactful societal change through design.
The transformative potential of symbols lies in their ability to evolve, reflecting the new meanings attributed to them that inspire action. Liberation movements exemplify this sentiment, turning tools of oppression into emblems of hope and resistance. By leveraging these principles, organisations can unite people with shared values and goals for the greater good.
