Can Plastic Handle the fire of Purgatory?

“It never occurred to me that plastic couldn't take the fire of purgatory and would disintegrate in the non-molecular base of heavenly existence.” - Szews

Description:

The crucifix is eight inches high and five inches across its widest portion. It weighs only a few ounces. It is made entirely of smooth plastic.

The cross is shiny, burnt brown color. There is detailed embossing along all four ends on the cross. There is a slightly raised circle in the center. In the perpendicular angles- in which all four part of the cross meet- have been filled to make it appear as though there is a scalloped circle located behind the cross. There is a raised platform on the bottom half of the cross (upon which the figures feet appear to rest). There is a hole in the upper center on the cross so that the crucifix may be hung from a nail in the wall. The cross lays flat on the backside.

The figure of Jesus is made of gold plastic. There is detail in the figures fingers, toes, body, hair and face. The figure appears to be wrapped in cloth, covering only his loins. A thin crown is on his head. There are plastic “bumps” in the palms of the figure and on the feet of the figure, meant to portray the image of nails. There is a line around the entire body indicating that a mold was used. The line is visible on the legs, arms, torso and head of the figure. The figure’s head is looking towards the right.

There are pieces of plastic on the back of the figures hands and feet that fit snuggly into corresponding holes in the cross. It appears as though some type of glue was used to hold the two pieces together in the holes. Two of the three places in which the cross should connect to the Jesus figure have broken. The third point of connection allows for easy removal of the right hand from the cross. The figure can easily be removed from and placed back onto the cross.

There is some indication of wear around the edges of the cross and especially around hole on the cross (the one in which a nail is inserted for the crucifix to hang).

Central Questions:

What is the purpose of this object? When and why was it developed?
What types of emotion does this object evoke? Does the material of object change its symbolic meaning?
Why might this object create controversy among some and pride among others?
What does this object say about religion/ faith?
What does is say about the people that purchase such objects?

Research:

No author. “Chocolate Sculpture: An Apt Reminder of Easter Meaning.” Western Daily. 21 April 2006: page 14. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. UMBC Lib., Baltimore MD. Feb. 2008.

Author discusses whether or not the importance and meaning of the crucifix is lost when it is made of certain material- in this case the emphasis is chocolate. The other discusses other materials that crucifixes are made of, such as plastic.

No author. “The Cross- A Fashion or Religious Icon?” New Vision. 5 April 2007. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. UMBC Lib., Baltimore MD. Feb. 2008.

The author discusses the lost meaning of the cross as it relates to popularity. This article can be linked to the object being examined in relation to availability, mass production and symbolic meaning.

Anderson, Diane and Hein, Kenneth. “Wear Your Digital Techno Devotion.” Brandweek. 21 November 2005: Vol. 46, Issue 42. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. UMBC Lib., Baltimore, MD. Feb. 2008.

The article discusses the plastic material being used and the creation of the crucifix for an alternative use. The article can be used to discuss the loss of meaning and sacredness of the crucifix in today’s society.

Beuke, Dan and Bhandari, Esha. “My iPod, my Icon?” Business Week. 14 November 2005: Issue 3959. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. UMBC Lib., Baltimore, MD. Feb. 2008. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search

The article discusses the plastic material being used and the creation of the crucifix for an alternative use. The article can be used to discuss the loss of meaning and sacredness of the crucifix in today’s society.

Miller, Lisa. “Bless This Bottled Water…” Newsweek: US Edition. Section: Belief Watch. Vol. 150, No. 25. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. UMBC Lib., Baltimore MD. Feb. 2008.

The article goes into great detail about plastic religious items. The focus is the bottled holy water. The author discusses items such as plastic crosses, rosaries and statues.

Stephens, Andrew. “Go Ahead, Make My Diety.” Sunday Age. 14 December 2006: section Homes, page 19. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. UMBC Lib., Baltimore MD. Feb. 2008.

The author discusses plastic religious items. He comments on whether or not they have lost meaning. He also discusses the irony of such items. He speaks with collectors of such items to gain perspective- some do so for religious reasons and others to make fun of the religion.

Szews, George R. “Those Days of Catholic Pride and Plastic.” National Catholic Reporter. 22 March 1996: Vol. 32, Issue 21. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. UMBC Lib., Baltimore, MD. Feb. 2008. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search

The article discusses plastic religious objects with special focus on the plastic cross. He argues that the material does not take away from the meaning of the object but rather allows Catholics to be “up-to-date.” He also states the importance of such objects as signs of Catholic pride.

Trade Me. Advertisement. Trade Me. Feb. 2008. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-collectables/Art-deco-retro/Fashion-beauty/auction-141088013.htm

Advertisement for an “Ornate Plastic Vintage Wall Crucifix.” The crucifix is less than 20 centimeters high and made of plastic but is at a current bid of $23.50.


Argument:

While some take offense to the religious objects made of plastic, they are not intended to be so. Items such as the plastic crucifix were created so that they may be available to everyone. The affordability of plastic allows for religious items to be purchased at cheaper prices, so that all may express their faith and purchase a symbolic reminder of such. The material does not take away from the meaning or importance of the object. No matter what material the crucifix is constructed of, it remains a symbolic reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice to the human race. People that own a plastic crucifix should not be assumed less faithful than those who own metal or wooden ones. The meaning is in what one instills in the object. Faith is deeper than material.


“Still, he was never ashamed he was Catholic and did not feel the cross that my grandmother placed in his hands as he died was plastic, only that its shape wasf amiliar and mercifully light.” –Szews

"and im a 7th grader and like everyone has a cell now except me"

A cell phone: “a device that everyone owns and bitches about at the same time” and a symbol of American society’s decline of reality and experiences.

“A device for communicating with others needlessly. Day in. Day out. Whenever. Wherever.”
There is a mentality that you should be able to reach someone at all times- anytime of day, anywhere they are. If they are unable to pick up their phone (because they are possibly sitting in class, watching a movie or attending a religious service), they will surely be able to respond via text messaging. If you are supposed to meet someone for dinner at 7:00, you can easily call her at 7:01 to inquire why she is late. If you discover that she is already there, you can stay on the phone with her until you spot her.

“A number you should NEVER EVER give to your boss.”
Most Americans will take their cell phones on vacation with them. They will be available to family, friends, and co-workers to discuss any given stress that was supposed to have been left at home. Maybe Americans should not give this number to their boss but some bosses require that you submit your cell number to them. Some bosses supply their employees with a “work cell phone” so that they can reach them when necessary.

“Stupid little thing that some nerd made to simplify life and destroy it”
It sucks that your boss can get in contact with you at all times but it’s awesome that your friends can. Now, if one of your friends isn’t present during a dinner date, shopping trip or doctor appointment, you can always have them there on the line. It might take away from the actual experience you are having with someone else but chances are they are on their phone too.

“Something that way too many 12 year olds have. Something that is nice to have but is not a necessity for everyday life.”
Please, explain to a 7th grader that a cell phone is not a necessity. Like many other material objects we consume, our cell phones represent status. Cell phones have evolved to include cameras, text messaging, and Internet access. There are phones available in different styles and colors. There is no doubt the style and functions of your phone say something about who you are as a person. How embarrassing it must be for a teenager to give out her home phone number.

“A leash or locating device”
I have been without a cell phone for over a week now. I have all intentions of getting a new one- soon. “It sucks not being about to get a hold of you,” my friends say. Really, because the last time I checked, you live on the floor below me; I see you in class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; you can e-mail me; and if you leave me a message on my room phone, I promise I’ll get back to you.

"Hello, Lover"

According to National Geographic, “[b]aby booties to orthopedic sandals, we spend most of our waking lives in shoes, and from them we may learn something about our culture, our history, and ourselves.” Shoes began as a way in which to protect our feet but quickly evolved in accordance to the trends in activity, work, and custom of different cultures. The manner in which the shoe was constructed, the materials that were used to make the shoe, and the visual style of the shoe have all changed over time. The “sole” purpose of the shoe remains the same but shoes have become more than protection. Shoes have become an icon of social and economic status in American society.

We need not look any further than our television screens (or computer monitors) to see a refection of how important shoes are in our society. In an episode of Sex and the City, we can watch the glamorous Carrie spend more money on her designer shoes than on her apartment rent. On any given episode of MTV Cribs, celebrities show off thousands of shoes in their closets- even tennis shoes are a symbol of wealth when they are custom made or a limited edition. A popular youtube.com video, “Shoes”, stars a shoe-obsessed teenager named Kelly who is quick to throw away shoes that “suck” and pick up shoes that “rule”. Kelly is willing to spend three hundred dollars on one single pair of shoes (and, one might grasp from the video, it is mostly because they are worth three hundred dollars).

Shoes are a part of who we are. By examining the shoe style of an individual, we can gain a sense of whom they are, what they doing, or where they are going. We can make assumptions based on whether someone is in dress shoes, athletic shoes, plain shoes, or shoes covered in rhinestones.

I fail to see my personal shoe collection as a sign of wealth or social status because I know how much I really paid for it. I do, however, view the collection as a reflection of my various personality traits. Each pair represents a piece of my self-identity; together the collection symbolizes my complex character. I have cleats for sports. I have plenty of classic black heels that are perfect for professional settings. I love my saddle shoes because they scream that I am nostalgic for a time that I was never around for. My Converses are reserved for times when I feel laid back. Flip flops are for lazy summer days. I have “those shoes” for when I feel like getting in trouble and “those shoes” for when I feel flirty and sweet. There are shoes that I have had forever and shoes that I have never worn but “needed” to have. What I choose to wear on any given day is dependent on what I feel like, what I am doing and where I am going.

"Oh my God, Shoes!"

I had a particularly hard time deciding on one object that represents an aspect of my identity. I felt like everything I considered writing about only conveyed one or two aspects of who I am. Since I am such a complex person, I did not think it was not fair to choose only one part of life. I am involved with various organizations and clubs. My interests range from scrapbooking to sports, politics to weddings, and history to popular culture. My taste in music and movies covers full spectrums of genres. I have very, very different groups of friends. The aspects of my life that make up my identity are not necessarily conflicting but still very different. Because of its diversity, it is my shoe collection that reflects my identity- almost in its entirety.

According to Cathy Newman of National Geographic, “[b]aby booties to orthopedic sandals, we spend most of our waking lives in shoes, and from them we may learn something about our culture, our history, and ourselves.” There has been no shortage of people studying trends in the world of fashion. Our clothes, hairstyles and shoes all say something about our culture. Through analysis of what is “in style”, we can gain a sense of understanding. We can see what a culture finds acceptable and beautiful but also what is practical for the time. Shoes began as a way in which to protect our feet but quickly evolved in accordance to the trends in activities, work, and customs of different cultures. The way in which the shoe is constructed, the materials that were used to make the shoe, and the visual style of the shoe have changed over time. By examining the shoe style of an individual, we can gain a sense of whom they are, what they doing, or where they are going. We can make assumptions based on whether someone is in dress shoes, athletic shoes, plain shoes, or shoes covered in rhinestones. In the present day, shoes have become an item of social and economic status. In an episode of Sex and the City, we can watch glamorous Carrie come to terms with the fact that she spends more money on her shoes than on her apartment rent. On any given episode of MTV Cribs, we watch celebrities showing off thousands of shoes in their closets- even tennis shoes are a symbol of wealth when they are custom made. The popular youtube.com video, “Shoes”, (starring a shoe obsessed character named Kelly) won a People’s Choice Award in 2006, ranks among the top 10 iTunes comedy downloads, and will have people still singing “Oh my God, shoes!” for years to come.

I have a ridiculous amount of shoes. I have cleats to play sports in. I have plenty of classic black heels that are perfect for meetings, work and job interviews. I love my saddle shoes because they scream that I am nostalgic for a time that I was never around for. I have my weird, plaid shoes that are a little off for day when I am feeling a little quirky. My Converses are reserved for times when I feel laid back. Flip flops are for lazy summer days. I have “those shoes” for when I feel like getting in trouble and my cute, floral heels for when I feel flirty and sweet. There are shoes that I have had forever, that are falling apart at the seams. There are shoes that I have never worn but “needed” to have- maybe I will wear them one day or maybe they are just represent an identity that is appealing, but simply not me. It all depends on my mood and the occasion. I do not consider myself a “fashionable” girl but I love my shoes. I could pull any pair from my closet and tell you a story behind it and why it is representative of who I am. Together, the different styles represent the different parts of my lifestyle.

"Blogging?"

I am a storyteller. “Blogging” should be easy for me- except I hate technology. Computers, printers, USB cords- they all make me cry on a regular basis. I am a suspected member of the iGeneration but I do not own an iPod, a legitimate cell phone, or a myspace page. Putting my life on the Internet is a completely terrifying thought.

My name is Katie Dix and rarely just “Katie”. I am a student at UMBC. I study Political Science, American Studies and the art of getting involved on campus.