Greater Danbury Coalition Program Looks At The Subtle Power Of Symbols

DANBURY — Put up a Confederate flag and one viewer might call it simply a historical artifact, while another reacts emotionally, seeing it as a symbol of slavery and oppression. Repaint the Last Supper with a nude black female Jesus and some view this as creative art, while others call it a sacrilegious mockery of Christian tradition.

Pointing out that reactions like these underscore the need to pay more attention to symbols, the Greater Danbury Coalition for a Community United is sponsoring an evening program on March 28 at the United Jewish Center that will center on how symbols hold a subtle but stark power to both divide and unite people.

Titled “Symbols: Bringing Us Together/Tearing Us Apart,” the program, presented as the agenda for the coalition’s annual meeting, begins at 7 pm and is free and open to the public. Professor Connie Hellman, a member of the Communication and Theater Arts Department at Western Connecticut State University, will present the keynote interactive address, emphasizing the need to understand how and why symbols mean different things to different people.

“Perception” is at the root of the difference, she says, pointing out that “two people looking at a Confederate flag can see very different things.” While symbols “stir something in us,” to categorize them as expressing hate “reflects something you’ve learned from your culture,” says Professor Hellmann, adding that she will focus first on the importance of recognizing the difference in how people perceive certain symbols, and then on “What do we do with the differences?”

Coalition president Barry Finch emphasized that the program is raising questions in the spirit of “listening and reflecting, without judgment.” It is being offered to give people a better understanding of the need to bridge the difference in how they perceive symbols.

A visual display of symbols will line the walls of the United Jewish Center, 155 Deer Hill Avenue in Danbury, for the March 28 program. People will have the chance to judge for themselves whether a symbol flashes a signal that unites or divides by placing appropriate markers on them.

The coalition, founded 12 years ago, with members and friends from the greater Danbury area, works to combat hate, prejudice, and stereotyping and promote harmony, understanding, and civility in the community.

The March 28 program runs from 7 to 9 pm. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome, and encouraged to bring friends. For further information, call 731-3414 or 438-6575.