Assignment 2

1. With your study partner, write down 2 symbols each that you found interesting from Malcolm X, chapters 12 and 14, and the World Religion reader essay "Veve: The Sacred Symbol of Vodoun" (pictures of some of the symbols are on the course website) . Discuss your personal reactions to these symbols. Additionally, ask yourselves the following questions:

a. In what ways are these symbols multivalent? Can they be interpreted differently and if so, by whom?

b. In what ways do you think these symbols remain stable, and in what ways can they change over time?

c. How do these symbols function to establish group identity? Individual identity?

2. Write up the results of your discussion in a 1-2 page typed paper.