Monday, September 23, 2013

Semiotics of the raging bull

The signifier:
The actual item is a statue of a bull. The bull is very large, and is in a very aggressive stance. The way that the statue is constructed makes the bull appear to be in motion, the position that it is in is definitely not stationary, and it appears to be getting ready to attack something.


The signified:
The significance of the statue is that it represents the American stock exchange. It is an interesting piece because when the markets are doing especially well it is referred to as a “bull market”. This piece therefore represents American prosperity and the strength of the market. Because the bull is in motion, it also gives the idea of fluidity in the markets and the fact that they are very dynamic in the way that they move. It requires strength and courage to work with the markets.



Currently this statue has taken on new meaning with the market crash and almost serves as a representation of the corruption that occurred and the consequences that it had for people. It is a sign of the strength of those who manipulate the markets, even if that manipulation is at the expense of the common people.

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