The signifier in this example is
the bronze statue of a charging bull created by the artist Arturo di Modica. Due
to the bull being placed in New York City’s financial district it is a
representation of strength, hard work, and the American “can do” spirit. It was placed only two years after the stock
market crash in 1987 so it also becomes a signifier of overcoming struggles, pressing
forward, and never giving up. Over the years along with these positive
connotations of tenacity and optimism in the work place, it has taken on some negative
connotations as well. This past year, the statue “Fearless Girl” by Kristen Visbal
was created and placed facing the charging bull. With the rise of women’s rights and equality
in the workplace etc., it has begun to take on these connotations of aggression
and bully-like, and woman are now taking a stand and fighting back. Although there is no right or wrong
interpretation of the statues, the connotations that come along with them
(negative or positive) will live on and create meaning in society.
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