Think of a time when there were no acts of hostility towards one another. Can not think of one? That is probably because for the longest time it feels that there have always been events that showcase humans attacking each other for their differences. Although it is easy to pinpoint the horrors that humans can have, there are also incidents that show others will not tolerate these actions. A rhetorical artifact that shines a light on the beauty that people have in the darkest of times is the Stronger Than Hate image. Following the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Stronger than Hate poster became widespread. The message that is conveyed through this piece of imagery is of great importance and meaning that applies to all acts of hatred throughout history. Despite the Stronger Than Hate image not having an excessive amount of detail, it effectively utilizes kairos to convey the commonplaces of acceptance and unity in the face of adversity meanwhile putting into play the use of pathos to form a sense of obligation to society to stand up for all.
If you have ever been to Pittsburgh or know much about the sports culture of the city, you are aware that the Steelers are a big deal. This team is not just a nationally recognized football team, but it is what keeps the spirt of Pittsburgh alive and connected. When the Tree of Life Synagogue was attacked, this was not just an assault on the Jewish community, but everyone who calls Pittsburgh their home. As a way to push back against the white supremacist attack, the image depicted puts into perspective the strength that Pittsburgh has. Even though this event put the country into a period of mourning, it especially hurt the Pittsburgh community. Pittsburgh is a place that has built a reputation on being a place of inclusion and friendly behavior. The city is the home of Mr. Rodgers where being kind and showing respect to all people is what is embedded into the culture of the city. On October 27, 2018, these values came under attack and the city needed to fight back. The kairos of the situation propelled a movement that shows the resilience of the city and the values that it stands for.
The Stronger than Hate poster effectively uses the Steelers logo to convey the values that it holds following this time of despair. One piece of the image that is noticeable is the black background regarding the three bright colored stars that are on the poster. The one star that is the focal point of the image is the Star of David which is used in replacement of the normal gold star that is on the Steelers logo. This is clearly in relation to the Jewish faith and how Jews were under attack in their community and place of worship. It is interesting to point out how the star is gold which stands out from the dark background that it is placed over. This symbolizes how in spite of the darkness that the city experienced, that it will come out of this stronger and brighter. This is using kairos and putting it in relation to how the city is showcasing its resilience during this setback.
Moreover, the resilience that the city is trying to prove leads into the values that are being expressed through the image. These values include acceptance and unity. Although the gold Star of David is used as a reflection of the city and Jewish community coming out stronger in this dark moment, it also is a symbol of acceptance and unity. When the Tree of Life Synagogue was attacked, this was not only an attack on the Jewish people but on all Pittsburghers. The combination of the Star of David in relation to the Steelers logo is showing that acceptance is what fuels the Pittsburgh spirit. The Jews of Pittsburgh are equally as apart of the city as anyone else and this is recognized through the image. It also points out that the city is united in the fight against hatred. Although the words that are depicted on the artifact make this message about Pittsburgh clear, the symbolism behind the three stars does the same job. The use of a sports team logo reflects the team spirit of the city. As one knows a team must be united if they want to defeat an opponent. The same sort of mindset is reflected about the city as the whole Pittsburgh community is standing with its Jewish members in the fight against the hatred expressed by white supremacy.
With this team mindset comes the use of pathos. Anyone that has been to a sporting event understands that emotions run high during the game. Through the use of the Steelers logo, a similar sense of emotion is being provoked. The use of this image sparks a strong emotion among not only the Pittsburgh area, but also any people who consider themselves to be Steelers fans. Although this image will not initiate the emotions that a passionate fan feels at a Steelers game, it hopefully will pull at their heartstrings to feel a sense of attack on their beloved home. This in turn, hopefully will bring about a stronger sense of bondage between the city and a strength that does not want to be messed with. Of course, this strength is not one that use violence against violence, but one that utilizes a unified voice that stands for all.
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source of image: Mineo’s Pizza House to host fundraiser for Squirrel Hill after Tree of Life shooting – Pittsburgh Business Times (bizjournals.com)