Any number of images can bring powerful reactions from people. One such symbol is the swastika. It is an ugly symbol of hatred and persecution of particular groups of people. Seeing this symbol causes me to shudder, as I see pictures of concentration camps, barbed wire fences covered in razor wire and piles of bodies in mass graves. This symbol easily prompts an array of emotions from sadness to anger, and sympathy for the millions of people who suffered so tremendously at the hands of the Nazi people.

A happier image that comes to mind is the white picket fence surrounding a lush green lawn and two story home. This brings to my mind simpler times, when mothers were able to stay home and raise children while husbands went to work to provide financially for the family. This is an image that many refer to as the American Dream - a goal that many citizens set for themselves to achieve. That image has changed a bit over time, as in the present day it is rare for mothers to be able to stay home with their children. This, in part, is due to the economy and inflation. However, the dream of home ownership will always be considered the American Dream, associated with the image of the lovely home, well-maintained yard, surrounded by a white picket fence.