Crosses, Stars of David, the Egyptian ankh, Chinese characters - they're all symbols that are commonly worn by people who subscribe to their meanings.
In this edition of It’s a Material World, contributor Gianofer Fields explores what symbols as objects mean to the wearer. Madison's Catherine Dorl says there's one symbol she clings to - both literally and metaphorically: The Peace Symbol.
As a criminal defense attorney, Dorl spends a great deal of time with people accused of sometimes violent acts. So to help her cope, she relies on the peace symbol she wears to channel the pacifism it represents.
Dorl begins by saying that pacifism is a peaceful response to violence - and it takes more than just wearing a peace sign:
Gianofer Fields studies material culture at UW-Madison and is the curator of "It's a Material World" - a project funded by the Chipstone Foundation, a decorative arts foundation whose mission is preserving and interpreting their collection, as well as stimulating research and education in the decorative arts.
Original air date: 05/31/14
