In this forum, we'll look at symbols, questions, media, and arguments. Symbols can be used in art, film, and writing. They are used as political, ethnic, religious, or power identities. Incorporate concepts and examples from your readings about questions, media, and argument as you discuss Symbols.

Symbols vary from culture to culture, and their meaning can change over time. Symbols may have formal meanings like the Canadian flag being associated with Canada. However, their meaning may also evolve as a result of social consensus and social conventions.

Symbols may be associated with a particular cultural occurrence (turtlenecks and the Beatnik movement or Doc Martens and punk rock) or a political movement, like the Pride rainbow that represents diversity. Religious symbolism is very influential in film and visual art, and even if you aren't religious, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with important symbols from the major world religions.

Symbols may also be important within a single work, rather than across a culture. This article presents an excellent overview of how filmmakers create and use symbols.

In the discussion forum, I would like you to choose a symbol that is powerful, interesting, or controversial, and present an overview to the class of what the symbol means (address whether the meanings are consistent or variable), where and how the symbol is used, and why the symbol is important. Provide some examples, visual (including art, films and TV) or written, of how the symbol is used, and discuss whether it is always represented in a positive/straightforward way, or whether its meaning is used to provoke questions and make viewers or readers think more deeply about an issue or work of art. Use multiple sources to support and present your views, and explore the symbol from a variety of different perspectives.

Format

Post directly into the discussion forum so that it's easy for us to read your work, rather than attaching a file. You may wish to use an essay-like structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion). If appropriate, you may present your findings using headings and subheadings, bullet points, or a numbered list. Make sure that your paragraphs are short and well organized: you should only tackle one topic per paragraph, and you will want to divide up any long paragraphs into shorter paragraphs of approximately 3-5 sentences.

Sources

Try to use a variety of sources; incorporate at least three. Do not rely on Wikipedia, although it might be a decent starting point! Look at the references. Use APA citations for any direct quotations and any paraphrased content. Include APA references at the end of your post.

Answer like this

For Example:

Yin and Yang

Symbols are like a universal visual language that everyone can understand, no matter where they come from. They are not just pictures; they are like small packages of more significant ideas or feelings. Symbols can be about religion, politics, or even just everyday stuff. In this discussion, I will explore how symbols matter in our culture, art, and daily life. The symbol I will shine a light on to discuss will be the Yin and Yang symbol, and see how it has been important throughout its origins in Chinese history and its evolution into a universally known symbol.

History and Origins

Yin and Yang symbolize profound philosophical and cultural significance, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, and was initially called Taijitu. It is characterized by a circular design divided into two equal, interlocking parts, one black (Yin) and the other white (Yang), representing four main principles: opposition, interdependence, mutual consumption, and inner transformation. Throughout its long history, the symbol has been a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of opposing forces and the need for balance in our lives and the world at large. It embodies the idea that opposites are not in true opposition to each other but are essential to each other's existence (Sullivan, 2017).

Evolution of its Meaning

Over time, as more people have come to know and recognize the Yin and Yang symbol, the meaning that most people recognize now is how opposing forces or beings can form balance and harmony. Its relevance extends to various aspects of culture, including holistic health, psychology, and philosophy. The symbol's universal appeal lies in its message of unity, which can resonate with people from different backgrounds and cultures (Chin et al., 2023). In our increasingly interconnected and diverse world, the Yin and Yang symbol serves as a reminder that we are all in this together and harmonizing as a society will make things easier for everyone as we can all help each other through various aspects.

Usage of the Symbol

Yin and Yang symbol plays a significant role in the martial arts world, and more specifically in Kung Fu. Therefore, many of the films on Kung Fu utilize the symbol in some way; as in martial arts, the symbol signifies the connection between different parts of the body to each other and them working in unison (The Yin and..., 2019).

One example is the Kung Fu Panda series. The films explore themes of balance, inner peace, and self-discovery, drawing on the Yin and Yang philosophy to help Po and the audience understand the importance of harmonizing opposing forces.

Another film that the Symbol is depicted in is The Matrix series. Although the movie doesn't fully revolve around Kung Fu, multiple characters in the movie are trained in it, and the symbol can be seen at various points in the series and represents the balance between the virtual and real worlds.

Conclusion

The Yin and Yang symbol, deeply rooted in Chinese culture and philosophy, has evolved over time to become a universally recognized symbol of balance and interconnectedness. The symbol's relevance in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world reminds us of the universal quest for harmony and unity, breaking down cultural and geographical boundaries. The use of the symbol in films demonstrates how this symbol is effectively used to explore and represent themes of balance, self-discovery, and harmonious collaboration of opposing forces.

References

Chin, T., Shi, Y., Del Giudice, M., Meng, J., & Xing, Z. (2023). Working from anywhere: yin-yang cognition paradoxes of knowledge sharing and hiding for developing careers in China.Humanities and Social Sciences Communications,10(1), 1-10.

Sullivan, K. (2017, November 4).A Legendary Symbol Born from Chaos: The Philosophy of Yin and Yang. Ancient Origins: Reconstructing the Story Of Humanity's Past.

The Yin and Yang theory and its application to martial arts. (2019, May 27). Gwong Zau Kung Fu.

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