I'm a computer graphics major so I know all about the importance of symbols and how they can impact society. Some symbols have a specific connotation that is irreversible, such as the Nazi symbol. When we see that symbol, we automatically have a negative reaction towards it. Yet, I've seen this same symbol put at the background of a Buddhist mediation room while watching a Joseph Campbell video. It had nothign to do with the Holocaust or association with the Nazis. In fact, the design just looked similiar to the Nazi symbol and held a different meaning in that enviornment.

Why do I bring this up? Because I love my rainbow. I grew up in the eighties so, naturally, my history revolved around Rainbow Brite, Carebears, and colorful artists like Madonna and Prince. Colors were the *it* factor during the eighties. You could wear a bracelet with shades of rainbow colors and people wouldn't think much of it. Today, however, it's much different. Today, if you wear *anything* that has rainbow colors, people think you're automatically gay or lesbian.

Just to set the record straight, I have nothing against gays/lesbians. In fact, I'm outraged that the Supreme Court here in the US continues to ban gay marriage. The way I figure, taxpayers in this country deserve *all* civil liberties. And legal marriage *does* matter, btw, since there are important priveldges that come with it. Priveldges such as being to speak on behalf of the spouse in case he/she is in the hospital and needs immediate surgery. Things like that. So, definitely, I got nothing against gays/lesbians. My problems lies in society's ability to make quick judgments and connotations. And it's these very same people that make wearing a bracelet with bright colors intolerable.

I bring this up because, not long ago, I got a cool bracelet from Hot Topic. I mean, it was the type of thing I've been looking for. I thought to myself, 'Finally! Someone thought it was cool to bring color back!' I mean, look at my gallery. You'll see I'm a fan of color. Unfortuantely, when I saw the 'section' where the bracelet was placed I realized I had to be gay/lesbain to sport it. Apparently, Hot Topic finds colorful stuff like this intended only for this group. Well, I said screw it. I bought it anyway. However, since I've worn it already ppl around me are looking at me differently.

I really hate the fact I can't wear my rainbow bracelet without people thinking about my sexual orientation. I hate the fact I can no longer sport the colors I grew up with because scoeity has given those colors and different meaning. Worse, it has implemented that type of thinking for this generation and the coming ones. Meaning, it's here to stay.

For those who've read Monster, you're probably wondering, "but hey, you got a character named 'Rainbow'. He's bisexual. He fits the 'archetype' of the gay/lesbian." Let me just say, archetypes are dangerous. You're basically reducing a person to a stereotype. My cahracter's name is Seth. He never called himself 'Rainbow'. It's the people *around* him that call him that. He accepts the name *not* because of his sexual orientation, but because he loves the colors. He doesn't think symbols should be rigid enough to have only one meaning. Yet, that's how society works I guess. We're raised on symbols. We defend them. It's why burning the flag here in the US is illegal. Take away the meaning of the flag and you're left with just a piece of cloth stuck on a pole. Attach a meaning to it, and suddenly, you're sending a hundred soldiers to their death to defend that symbol.

Anyway, that ends my rant. Yes, it's senseless and I really have no argument except an annoying observation. I will say, though, I don't think it'd be wise to detach *all* meanings from symbols. A symbol should have the powerful to invoke a reaction to the person(s) seeing it, such as a boy trying to find the men's restroom or a car waiting for the light to turn green. Yet, I don't believe all symbols should be extremely rigid and be attached with only one meaning, intended only for a specific group...