Symbolism Shapes Identity

I'm a sucker for the underdog.

It might have something to do with my Philadelphia roots and early Rocky Balboa exposure. The Italian Stallion was very popular in my Irish household. I have this iconic photo capture of Rocky at the top of the steps leading into the Philadelphia Museum of Art in my garage gym, with the below quote embossed.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.?But it ain't about how 
hard you hit.?It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.?How much you can take and keep moving forward.        

As a wide-eyed kid, I ascended those seventy-two stone steps with a heart full of dreams, celebrating my imaginary victory. Back then, the concept of life's hardships was a distant notion, overshadowed by the thrill of that moment. The steps were easy to climb, and I didn't have to fight anyone before or after.

The reality that life can be hard was not even on my early childhood radar.

Quotes are easy. Work is hard.

In the world of law enforcement, where courage and resilience are vital, we often draw inspiration from various sources. For me, it started with the underdog spirit embodied by Rocky Balboa and those iconic Philadelphia steps. Rocky's indomitable will and the words etched below his triumphant figure served as a guiding light during my formative years. I still find inspiration from this image, which is why it hangs in my gym for me to see every day.

Quotes were easy to embrace, but the true test lay in the grueling work that lay ahead.

But as we grow older and wiser, we come to realize that the imagery and symbols we attach to our identities can have profound consequences. Law enforcement officers sometimes find themselves treading on murky ground in this realm. The adoption of controversial symbols like the "Punisher" skull adorned with a "thin blue line" often raises questions about the motivation behind such choices. Are we truly embracing a "tough" image to inspire ourselves and others, or are we inadvertently portraying an image that blurs the lines between protector and punisher?

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo Montoyo to Vizzini

If you have seen the movie "The Princess Bride," then you recognize the quote. Vizzini keeps using the word "Inconceivable" out of proper context. Every time I see a Punisher symbol adorned with the thin blue line, this quote jumps into my head. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I feel a bit like Inigo Montoyo myself. Why? Well, the character, The Punisher, is anti-police. The creator of the character said so himself. Read this piece.

Police Have Missed the Point of The Punisher

So, if you didn't actually click on the link, I'll share a paragraph here to highlight what I'm talking about.

In the comic, Frank Castle becomes cornered by two cops who, after realizing who he is, proceed to lower their weapons and tell him how much they look up to him. Castle, being somewhat perturbed, responds by giving them a beatdown and saying, “I’ll only say this once: We’re not the same. You took an oath to uphold the law. You help people. I gave that up a long time ago. You don’t do what I do. Nobody does. You boys need a role model? His name is Captain America and he’d be happy to have you.”         

Another thought to ponder is the intent of the writer in this piece. It generally does not reflect well on the profession, and that was the opportunity capitalized on.

All honor's wounds are self-inflicted. - Andrew Carnegie

This dilemma brings to mind the wisdom of ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Plato, who cautioned against attaching our identities too closely to external symbols or personas. The Stoics, in particular, emphasized the dangers of relying on external validation or associations to define who we are. They believed that true strength and wisdom came from within, from the cultivation of virtue, resilience, and self-awareness. Self-deception is a byproduct of utilizing false images to inflate confidence in our abilities. So, when utilizing imagery for motivation, it is wise to make sure you also put in the work and understand the meaning behind the symbolism.

In the world of law enforcement, the analogy of the "Sheepdog" popularized by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman in his book "On Combat" has gained traction. It paints a vivid picture of officers as the protectors who stand between the flock (the citizens) and the wolves (the criminals). But as with any analogy, it has its limitations. Embracing the identity of a "Sheepdog" at the expense of individuality can lead to a dangerous mindset. It can blur the lines between genuine service and a skewed sense of superiority.

As the saying goes, "Be careful of arguing with idiots; they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." In the context of policing, it's crucial to remember that when we engage in heated debates or conflicts with those who may not understand our perspective, the onlookers might not distinguish between the genuine protector and those who have lost sight of their true purpose.

While external symbols and identities can provide a temporary source of motivation, true strength, and purpose come from within. The Stoics remind us to cultivate our virtues, practice self-awareness, and guard against the dangers of over-identifying with external symbols. By focusing on becoming the best versions of ourselves, we can better serve our communities and uphold the values of justice and integrity that define law enforcement at its core.

As law enforcement officers, it is not just about projecting an image but about being the best people we can be for ourselves and those we are sworn to protect.

So, when it comes to the use of controversial symbolism in law enforcement, at least in this case, I have to agree with The Punisher himself. If you are looking for a role model, look to Captain America or Rocky Balboa, and leave the skulls in the closet.