It has become an alpha-numeric symbol, a hieroglyph, an instant symbol.

Question

Jonathan Green, director of the UCR/California Museum of Photography, has speculated that "Korda's image has worked its way into languages around the world. It has become an alpha-numeric symbol, a hieroglyph, an instant symbol. It mysteriously reappears whenever there's a conflict. There isn't anything else in history that serves in this way".

1: What could 'alpha-numeric symbol' and 'instant symbol mean in the given context? Please let me know.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I'd have to see the actual Korda graphic to suggest any details, but 'alpha-numeric' just means it is composed of numbers and letters, and 'instant' suggests that its message is immediate and/or was soon recognized by the public.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Thank you, Mr Micawber. I don't see what alpha-numeric has to do with a picture.

Mister Micawberthat its message is immediate and/or was soon recognized by the public.

Would you mind telling me that why you opted for past tense 'was soon recognized' when present was, in my humble opinion, more fitting?

Best wishes
Jack

Mister Micawber · Answer

It's already a recognized symbol (in my explanation-- I don't know that that is the case, though).

Jackson6612 · Answer

Thanks for the clarification.

Mister Micawberin my explanation-- I don't know that that is the case, though

Are you saying that you used past tense because you were hypothesizing the condition?

Mister Micawber · Answer

No.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Then, please let me know what you really meant.

Mister Micawber · Answer

"It's already a recognized symbol."

Jackson6612 · Answer

Okay, I believe now you have opted for present tense. Thanks for all the help.

It has become an alpha-numeric symbol, a hieroglyph, an instant symbol.

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