If I could butt into this conversation for a moment and bring up the OP's original premise for a second...
I'm an artist. My entire life I have drawn pictures to convey things I could not put into words, or else just tinkered around with different
conceptual designs and placement of random images in proximity to one another.
Everytime I show a piece to someone that's a bit "abstract" - and by that I mean, not a fixed and clear subject - everyone will always assign their
own associations to various elements of the drawing.
For some, they fixate on smaller things - the geometric placement of objects in the design, some focus on the imagery and claim I'm using "symbolism
to convey a hidden meaning" etc...when in reality, all I was doing was trying to make an asthetic placement of objects and focal points. Something
new and original, I had hoped.
I'm not discrediting anything any contributor has said here, it's quite frankly, not my place - all I am getting at is that these "tail lights",
"corporate logos" and various other mass produced symbols are designed with a simple use of symmetry, and whenever that technique is employed -
there's going to be some mathmatical considerations apparent.
Even when learning to draw the human form in some techniques, the head is oval, the top half of the body is given a "triangluar" frame of reference,
as well as the lower half of the body if the legs are to be greater distance to the shoulders.
Does this mean I'm secretly plotting the overthrow of mankind when I begin a sketch? Of course not...
Does this mean my avatar incriminated me from the beginning due to preconcived notions of symbolic intent on the part of other men and women we have
never met who have employed similar designs?
I hope not.
I get U2U's every day asking about the symbol in my avatar and what it means, and quite honestly, it's a completely mutable symbol. It can mean
several things, it can mean whatever your associations tell you...but it never hurts to ask the artist directly WHY they chose to employ certain
techniques, ratios, images before making assumptions of their intent.
Just because our subjective viewpoint leads us in one direction, doesn't make a symbol completely Universal.
The Mazda logo mentioned earlier - yes, it looks like an Owl to some, I've heard others claim viligantly that it's a seagull. Others still just
think it's an aesthetic design.
That's the beauty of art - it is a wonderful chance to explore our own psyches, our own reflections and associations.
It just pains me whenever someone assumes a small piece of art is indicative of something sinister and evil - regardless of where it came from, or
where it is employed, and by whom.
And when it comes to Advertising - remember, they're trying to get you to buy something. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if "occultic"
representations are being used to target one market, yet simplified and congenial enough to appeal to other target demographics as well.
It is not what we may WANT, (or even LIKE, for that matter) and if enough associations with a particular symbol turn out to be negative - that design
and ad will never make it through the decision process.
It's also why we have competitive car manufacturers. The CHOICE is still in the hands of the consumer to purchase or not to purchase.
Apparently, enough people are more worried about performance, comfort, style, convenient cup holders and getting to work on time than whether or not
the company logo is "secretly demonic".
For most, it isn't even an issue.
And from where I sit, and all the hubaloo I have heard throughout my life on the issue of "occultic companies showing themselves through secret
symbols" and the people who spread such propaganda, I ask thus:
Why is it so important to try and turn a commonly seen icon into a symbol of Satan? Why would a Christian of any sort turn people away from the
beautiful things in this world and make them start worrying whether or not their Dodge Ram, Mitsubishi or Mazda is going to drive them straight to
hell one day?
Shouldn't Christians be focusing their attentions on God's glory? I mean, even if we like it or not, "Satan" and "Lucifer" are part of God's
Plan, and correct me if I'm wrong, but who are we to judge His Creations?
As far as I'm concerned, anyone who devotes that much time and invested interested in demonology and the works and influence of Lucifer is really
just adding fuel to hells fires.
I just don't get it, but that might have something to do with the fact that I'm a Ford Girl.
Anyway - thanks for letting me toss that out there.
And if my avatar is still putting anyone off, please U2U me. Thanks.
[edit on 12-8-2007 by GENERAL EYES]