Based on research by Eliana Goldstein and Aviv Tanzman, School of Communication, Bar-Ilan University
Have you ever wondered what those watermelon emojis really mean in pro-Palestinian social media posts? Or why do some protesters paint their hands red? Let’s explore protest symbols and unpack their hidden meanings together. University campuses across America buzz with protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While many of us see the signs and hear the chants, there’s often more to these symbols than meets the eye. In this post we will examine the significance of symbols and what they mean.
How Symbols Shape Our Understanding
Think of symbols as a special protest language. Roland Barthes, a theorist who studied symbols, argued that they work on two levels: what we see (the signifier) and what it means (the signified). When protesters choose their symbols, they’re not just picking random images – they’re tapping into deep wells of meaning that can move people to action and create powerful emotional connections.
The Watermelon: More Than Just a Fruit
Following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, displaying the Palestinian flag became illegal in Israel. In response, activists adopted alternative symbols that carried the same visual essence. The watermelon, with its red, black, white, and green colors that resembled the flag, developed into a subtle form of resistance. What started as a clever workaround became something much bigger when Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour started using watermelon imagery in his art during the 1980s. Now, that simple fruit emoji you might see on social media carries decades of history and meaning.
Red Hands: A Symbol of Controversy
When you see protesters with red-painted hands or celebrities wearing red hand pins at the Grammys, you’re looking at a symbol that has distinct meanings. For many current protesters, it’s a call for peace and humanitarian aid in Gaza. For many Israelis, the image recalls a traumatic episode from the Second Intifada: the 2000 Ramallah lynching, where two Israeli reservists were brutally killed, and their attackers posed with blood-stained hands. Symbols can carry complex historical weight, and this one resonates differently across communities, showing us how the same image can tell very different stories.
Words That Change Lives: Understanding Protest Chants
Let’s consider that famous chant: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” It’s amazing how eight simple words can spark such intense debate. Some people hear a call for freedom and equality, while others interpret it very differently. In this case, we can see how powerful language can be in influencing our understanding of complex issues.
When Social Media Meets Street Protests
The current generation of activists has grown up in an era where narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are shaped by social media, viral videos, and infographics. Most young activists first encounter these issues through TikTok videos, Instagram posts, and viral tweets. While this makes information more accessible than ever, it also means we need to be extra careful about understanding the full picture.
Why Getting It Right Matters
As Yoseph Haddad, an Arab-Israeli journalist, demonstrated in a viral video, even well-meaning activists can lack foundational knowledge of the causes they support. Approaching a pro-Palestinian booth on a college campus, Haddad asked a student why she labeled Israel an apartheid state. Her inability to define apartheid or provide evidence highlighted the dangers of engaging in activism without adequate research.
Moving Forward: Making Our Voices Count
If you’re thinking about getting involved in activism (or already are), here’s what really matters:
– Take time to learn the history behind the symbols you use
– Listen to different perspectives, especially from people directly affected
– Fact-check before you share or repeat information
– Remember that symbols might mean something very different to others than they do to you.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict isn’t simple, and neither are its symbols. But by understanding what we’re saying when we use these symbols, we can have more meaningful conversations about this crucial issue. In a world where a single tweet can reach millions, knowing the weight of our words and symbols isn’t just helpful – it’s essential.
What matters most isn’t just raising our voices, but knowing what we’re really saying when we do. After all, isn’t that what meaningful dialogue is all about?
Call to Action: Combating Online Hate with FOA
Symbols and rhetoric aren’t confined to the streets; they thrive in online spaces, where they can fuel misunderstanding and hate. Fighting Online Antisemitism (FOA) Organization is dedicated to monitoring, reporting, and removing harmful antisemitic content from social media platforms while educating the public about the impact of online hate. FOA’s workshops and programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to recognize and counter hidden antisemitic symbolism, misinformation, and fake information. Whether by volunteering, attending workshops, or helping spread awareness, your involvement can make a difference. Visit FOA’s website to learn how you can help combat online hate and promote informed dialogue today.