which sign we are under
What does "which sign we are under" mean in the last line?

As such, the memorial quite patently pertains to the Holocaust, but it does not aim to represent or stand in for the memory of it.The site is an abstract one, open to interpretation – and, importantly, use – in a whole range of ways. But it is also precoded: as visitors we know what it is we are supposed to be dealing with here, which sign we are under so to speak, and our behavioural responses are calibrated accordingly.

Question

which sign we are under
What does "which sign we are under" mean in the last line?

As such, the memorial quite patently pertains to the Holocaust, but it does not aim to represent or stand in for the memory of it.The site is an abstract one, open to interpretation – and, importantly, use – in a whole range of ways. But it is also precoded: as visitors we know what it is we are supposed to be dealing with here, which sign we are under so to speak, and our behavioural responses are calibrated accordingly.

Answer

Haha, what are you reading? You are getting into some technical stuff here. Okay:

So, the text is about a Holocaust memorial site, right? (Is it the Berlin Holocaust memorial? It sounds like it... my reason for asking will be clear) But the site (if it is the one I am thinking of) is not a representation of the Holocaust, correct? There is no attempt to recreate a concentration camp, or to make a story out of some props. So, on a purely visual level it is not 'obviously' any one thing. And yet, as visitors we know it is a Holocaust memorial, and because it is a memorial, we know what kind of behaviour is expected from us when we visit. The term (written, spoken, whatever) 'memorial' is a "sign" that we understand to signify certain expectations. In short the 'sign' refers to the concept of memorial; 'party' would be another sign, 'funeral' another. Does this make sense for you?

That's the simplest I can put it; I hope it helps!

Answers · 1

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