What Are Some Examples of Ambiguous Symbols?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around humorous and ambiguous symbols found in safety instructions and warning signs. Participants share their favorite examples and engage in light-hearted commentary about the interpretations and implications of these symbols.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express their favorite ambiguous symbols, such as the instruction not to run if on fire, highlighting different interpretations related to safety.
  • Others mention symbols related to driving safety, like the one about a pole sticking out of a station wagon, noting the humor in the absurdity of the instructions.
  • A participant points out that many of these symbols are sourced from another website, suggesting that the humor may not be original.
  • There are references to symbols that suggest impractical actions, such as using a flashlight to lift rubble or karate chopping a closed exit door, which some find amusing.
  • One participant expresses a lack of humor regarding the symbols, citing concerns about taxpayer funding for such messages.
  • Another participant shares a personal favorite symbol related to a nuclear explosion, which adds to the humorous tone of the discussion.
  • There are mentions of symbols that imply taking medication as a way to cope with stressful situations, which some find to be a humorous take on serious topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a light-hearted view of the symbols, but there is disagreement on the appropriateness and humor of the messages, with some finding them funny while others express criticism.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific symbols and their interpretations, but lacks consensus on their effectiveness or appropriateness. Some comments reflect personal opinions rather than a collective viewpoint.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in humor related to safety instructions, those studying communication in public safety, or individuals curious about societal reactions to ambiguous messaging may find this discussion engaging.

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i'd have to say: If you have set yourself on fire, do not run

i thought of something very different, more along the lines of the flammable nature of methane, well considering where the flame is, oh come on! it's surely not just me... oh never mind
 
I'd have to choose the one about not driving your station wagon, if there is a pole sticking out of the hood. But, they're all pretty funny.
 
Originally posted by Mentat
I'd have to choose the one about not driving your station wagon, if there is a pole sticking out of the hood. But, they're all pretty funny.
Yes that one was good, I also liked the "If caught under collapsed building use flashlight to elevate rubble" one.
 
I liked the one;
If your building collapses...

Unfortunately I am not that flexible.
 
Originally posted by BoulderHead
I liked the one;
If your building collapses...

Unfortunately I am not that flexible.

Well you need to learn how to limber up and get more flexible, otherwise my friend you simply are a terrorist.
 
All of those things are ripped off of www.iidb.org

They're funny, but they are all stolen.

I'll look for the link to the original thread. There are a bunch more of them there.
 
I have to say that I dug the one about the exit door. If its closed, just Karate Chop it! I don't know if any of you were aware, but the karate chop is the universal means to open ANY door!
 
...but that site had more pop-ups than a Viagra junkie...
 
  • #10
Use your flashlight to lift the walls right off of you!
 
  • #11
"If your stuck under rubble don't flatulate to try to get it off!"

All of the Above...
 
  • #12
i have a hard time finding any of them funny knowing my tax dollars funded that crap.
 
  • #13
Part2

http://www.ready.gov/i/vis_car_road2.gif

If you see a nuclear explosion on the horizon, pull to the side of the road and wait for the blast to hit you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #14
My favorite symbol didn't make ti to that site. At the actual government site, there's a symbol of an RX bottle with some pills spilled out. The obvious message; "If you just pop some 'Ludes, you could relax and stop worrying about the whole thing"! (Deeewd)
 

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