Battle of Symbols

Symbols increasingly dominate international communication. Their power was demonstrated by the events of 9/11 and the war against terrorism. Yet few understand them. Now, more than ever, it is important to understand symbols in a global context. In this book, John Fraim examines 9/11 in light of global symbolism. While the events of 9/11 represented the beginning of the war against terrorism, Fraim notes "the real 'battle of symbols started long before September 11th and will continue long after the fall of the Taliban regime or Saddam Hussein." The book observes the response of the American symbolism industry to the events of 9/11. As Fraim notes, the events of 9/11 offered a rare opportunity to observe how American symbols are created (by Madison Avenue advertising and Hollywood entertainment), communicated (by New York media) and managed (by Washington public relations). One of the more hopeful outcomes of 9/11 was the instigation of an international dialogue about the power of symbols. From this continuing dialogue America and the world have gained a new awareness of the growing power of symbols. Whether this awareness will lead to a new understanding of symbols on a national and global scale is one of the most important questions facing America (and the world) today.