“Is that a symbol? Sure, why not?” Thomas C. Foster states at the beginning of “Is That a Symbol?” Foster writes his story explaining not only what a symbol is, but practicing our skill on individual reading and encouraging us to state arguments including personal interpretations. To figure out what symbols might mean, we can use tools such as questions, experience and preexisting knowledge. There are also distinct symbols that have limited meanings. No matter what people perceive in different contexts. “The more you exercise the symbolic imagination, the better and quicker it works” (23). Symbolic meaning can differ anywhere from similar beliefs to individual interpretations. Characteristics of symbolic action will play a role in our everyday lives. 

Meaning is subjective, each individual has the opportunity in life to establish what something means, whether it is good or bad, and how it influences their lives. Symbols take part in our everyday lives whether they involve a range of meanings and interpretations. Each individual is lead to think whatever they perceive about symbols that surround us in our everyday lives. Foster states, “I have a pretty strong grasp of what they mean- for me. The authority I bring to these readings is that of my own background and experience” (22). Concluding that, meaning is influenced by the way we are raised, our family and friends, and the environment in which we live. We are surrounded everyday with situations and objects that have meaning, the meaning of one thing can differ between other interpretations. For example, the sign of peace. In my eyes, the definition of peace is the sense of freedom and equality. It could mean thousands of things to other people. “So some symbols do have a relatively limited range of meanings, but in general a symbol can’t be reduced to standing for only one thing” (18). Symbols have a bigger meaning than just a decoration or a signal in our everyday lives that affect each of us different. 

There are symbols that work straightforwardly, some symbols are meant to have one representation to individuals. We look around us every day and the symbols around us all have meaning. For example, a left arrow means proceeds left while a right arrow means proceeds right. It doesn't get much more complex than that. As a whole population there are symbols that shape how we live which aren't arguable. For example, a stop light Green means go, yellow means slow down, and red means stop. Foster mentions, “Here’s the problem with symbols: people expect them to mean something” (18). This is one of the few sentences I disagree with in this passage. No matter what a symbol has got to mean something to a population. Without symbols directing us in our everyday lives it would be a free for all with no direction or guidance in our lives. 

Symbolic action can also be found as a target. Foster states, “The problem of symbolic meaning is further compounded when we look at a number of writers emphasizing various, distinct elements for a given symbol” (21). The historical value of symbols is recognized every day in our country. The Pentagon and the World Trade Center exemplify powerful symbols in our country that should be recognized. These two examples show visions, goals for the humans involved, and power which is why they were such big targets against our country. Power after both the Pentagon and the World Trade Center were hit, our nation quickly shattered as a whole. These symbols were targeted by terrorists against our nation. Symbols could be a threat in our society today. The American Flag is a threat to other countries because of the pride and power the flag holds over the United States. 

In conclusion, symbols can be dictated by each individual's priorities in their lives. “The problem with symbols is that many readers expect them to be objects and images rather than events or actions. Action can also be symbolic” (23). This quote exemplifies the limitless possibilities in which symbols can be interpreted as to anyone and anything. Symbolic meaning can differ anywhere from similar beliefs to individual interpretations. Characteristics of symbolic action will play a role in our everyday lives. 
