In a message dated 12/30/2001 6:36:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,
gregjuli@execpc.com writes:
> It is true what someone said about symbols meaning different things to
> different people. Did you know that the nazi symbol was originally used by
> the
> Indians to mean the 4 corners of the earth and the Chinese also have a
> variation of it in some of their decorative arts. Yes, I agree that symbols
> are
> a very interesting area. I do a unit on symbolism with my 7th graders
> where
> they design their own personal symbol.
> MaryB
>
MaryB, do you use the Swastika as an example of a symbol in your 7th grade
unit? If so, do you make it clear to your students that one uncivilized
madman took a symbol used in a positive way in other cultures and turned it
into a symbol of hatred, prejudice, and mass destruction?
Personally, I'm more likely to use Native American and Egyptian symbols, for
examples, on the elementary school level, because it ties into the
curriculum. Perhaps if I were relating an art lesson to the Holocaust, WWll,
or the theme of "Man's Inhumanity to Man in the 20th Century", I would use
the Swastika as an example.
IMO, it is our responsibilty as educators to teach tolerence, respect, and
kindness for one another. Perhaps, instilling the elements of humanity in
our children is even more important than instilling the elements of art!
Just a closing thought for the last day of our infamous year 2001.
Susan on Long Island
