Essay On Daviess County Cross Burning

596 Words2 Pages

“Daviess county cross burning under investigation.” These words, blazed across the page of a local newspaper raise many questions about the interpersonal communication surrounding and leading up to these actions. What message was being sent through these actions? How could different people interpret the message? We do know that symbols play a great role in our communication, so how did the symbols and other objects used in the encounter affect the meaning? The method of delivery is a huge aspect of how we interpret messages, so how does this particular delivery shape my views of the matter? Are these actions protectable under “freedom of speech”? If not, where is the line between legal protest or demonstration, and criminal activity? Finally, how do I, personally, react to the account? First and foremost, the message sent through this method is a threat, intended as a means of intimidation. The article referenced “a dispute with other residents of the trailer park.” This leads me to believe that the sender was using …show more content…

As a Christian, the burning of such a sacred symbol is satanic and antichrist. I have heard that in Scotland, a cross was burned to call the people together to war. I cannot say whether or not that statement is true, however I doubt that was the purpose behind this particular encounter. Similarly to the historical meaning, there can be multiple meanings drawn from this single cross burning. It could simply be the handywork of a drunken teenager who delights in arson. It could be a hate crime against the residents of the home. It could be some prank pulled by a local fraternity. I personally view this as a racist attack on the family in question. My conclusion is supported by the “racial slurs” painted on the home the night before the burning of the cross. This activity is obviously intended to hurt and humiliate the target

More about Essay On Daviess County Cross Burning

Open Document