I was just pointing out the Mint's view on the statue/word question.
Certainly symbolism should not be dominated by the symbol. The flag is a symbol which has, in the minds of many, become more important that the ideals it stands for. This is part of the tragedy that is modern America.
But, as you point out, the word is also a symbol. Which is the better symbol? I have neither the time nor the background to make that decision. But I will remark that we humans are sensory creatures. Sights, such as monuments, can immediately evoke from us emotional responses. Words can create the same response, but only after a bit of mental processing. (Unless the words become ritualized, but that's a different discussion). This doesn't make the Statue a better symbol of liberty, though. Maybe the mental processing that goes with the word needs to occur. Maybe people need to put thought into what liberty means, where it comes from, how it is kept, rather than just wallowing in the gushy patriotic feeling of liberty that might come from seeing the Statue.
Also, there is the problem that the Statue does not stand only for liberty, but also welcome and enlightenment, and possibly America in general.
no subject
Certainly symbolism should not be dominated by the symbol. The flag is a symbol which has, in the minds of many, become more important that the ideals it stands for. This is part of the tragedy that is modern America.
But, as you point out, the word is also a symbol. Which is the better symbol? I have neither the time nor the background to make that decision. But I will remark that we humans are sensory creatures. Sights, such as monuments, can immediately evoke from us emotional responses. Words can create the same response, but only after a bit of mental processing. (Unless the words become ritualized, but that's a different discussion). This doesn't make the Statue a better symbol of liberty, though. Maybe the mental processing that goes with the word needs to occur. Maybe people need to put thought into what liberty means, where it comes from, how it is kept, rather than just wallowing in the gushy patriotic feeling of liberty that might come from seeing the Statue.
Also, there is the problem that the Statue does not stand only for liberty, but also welcome and enlightenment, and possibly America in general.