Exploring Liberty Through Icons: Why Symbols Matter More Than Ever

Street mural of Vice President Kamala Harris on the side of a building, depicted in a powerful pose wearing a blue draped gown. The text 'Lady of Progress' is boldly written across the image, symbolizing her role in modern American progress and leadership

By Michael Smith

In a world where symbols shape so much of our cultural and political narratives, I recently came across a thought-provoking tweet on X (formerly Twitter) that said, “There’s a reason our icons of liberty are all women.” The image featured Kamala Harris standing beside the Statue of Liberty and Lady Justice, framing the conversation around what it means to embody liberty in today’s America.

This! pic.twitter.com/GlqDKSSUZu
— Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) September 22, 2024

As someone who navigates multiple roles as a citizen, writer, and advocate, this tweet struck me deeply. Icons of liberty being all women? It's a bold statement with deep roots in American identity. Whether it's the Statue of Liberty representing freedom or Lady Justice standing for fairness, these feminine symbols aren't just coincidental; they reflect deeper societal values that we're often too quick to overlook.

It's ironic that in a nation where women's rights are constantly under siege—from reproductive rights to gender equity—we look to female symbols as pillars of freedom and justice. This juxtaposition led me to think of Vice President Kamala Harris as the "Lady of Progress." In many ways, she embodies the ongoing struggle and advancement toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

Reflections on Liberty

Growing up in the heart of Youngstown and later moving to Atlanta, I was constantly struck by how freedom and justice often felt like abstract concepts—especially for marginalized communities. As a biracial person, I've seen how liberty doesn't always extend equally to everyone. My childhood experiences, whether stepping over a homeless man in Atlanta or witnessing firsthand how systemic barriers impact lives, have fueled my passion for writing and activism.

Why Symbols Matter

Icons like Lady Liberty, Lady Justice, and now, in my view, the "Lady of Progress"—Kamala Harris—don't just represent aspirational ideals. They serve as cultural touchpoints in how we understand freedom, justice, and equality. But what happens when the very people who should benefit from these ideals feel left behind or ignored? This is where it gets personal. I've often questioned whether these symbols truly stand for everyone. Can a statue, no matter how iconic, encapsulate what it means to be free in a country where so many are still struggling for equality?

The Role of Women in Liberty

The choice to make liberty and justice feminine isn't arbitrary. It symbolizes nurturing, protection, and moral fairness—qualities traditionally ascribed to women. But women, especially women of color, face significant hurdles in their fight for freedom. Reproductive rights are a glaring example. As we've seen recently, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with states like Georgia enacting restrictive abortion laws that disproportionately impact women.

Kamala Harris, as Vice President, has been a vocal advocate for protecting women's rights, including reproductive health. By considering her the "Lady of Progress," we acknowledge her role in advancing the ideals that Lady Liberty and Lady Justice represent. She is not just a symbol of liberty; she is actively working to defend and expand it.

Taking Action

In the lead-up to the next election, it's essential for all of us to recognize the significance of voting. Voting isn't just about who gets to sit in office; it's about shaping the future of liberty for everyone. It's easy to feel disillusioned, especially with efforts to manipulate election outcomes, but we can't afford to sit back.

Your vote is your voice. Whether you identify with the icons of liberty or see their potential shortcomings, what matters is that we continue pushing forward—because if liberty is truly for all, it needs all of us to participate in shaping it. Embracing the spirit of the "Lady of Progress," we can work toward a society that lives up to the ideals represented by Lady Liberty and Lady Justice.

To wrap this up, I'll shamelessly plug my X (formerly Twitter) profile ReflectiveMVS @ReflectiveMVS. Join me as we continue these conversations and challenge the status quo.

Check out the tweet that inspired this post and let me know what you think about how liberty is symbolized in our culture. Are we still honoring those values today, or have we strayed too far?