Week 8: Migration is Beautiful

Migration is Beautiful by artist Favianna Rodriguez really caught my attention during Elizabeth Gonzales’ presentation last Wednesday. She explained that the butterfly is associated with travel between worlds in search of knowledge across borders. The butterfly also represents a metamorphosis, a metaphorical transition of spirits waiting to be reborn, to die in the next world to be born into this in a perpetual exchange. These spirits have returned to our world, they are usually depicted as the fairy mounted butterflies to remind the symbolism of this transformative aspect. It is the symbol of total transformation, represents the need for change and greater freedom and also courage. In ancient times it was believed that the amazing transformation of the butterfly was similar to the journey of the soul of an earthly body to a spiritual body. It is a symbol of immortality, rebirth and resurrection. This specific butterfly is also part of the logo for DREAMers, an undocumented youth and ally’s organization on campus. The logo draws attention to the promotion of US immigration reform laws. Rodriguez explains that activists see the butterfly as a symbol of peaceful fluidity and migration. It also represents resilience and the ability to recover after any sort of misfortune. In my opinion, I believe we should all be allowed to move freely across borders without facing inequalities and injustice.