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The story of the enigmatic symbol, the Universal S, begins with a simple question: What is this peculiar shape, and where did it come from? It's a quest that has consumed countless hours, spanned decades, and taken us around the world. Let's dive into the depths of this mystery and see where it leads us.
Five years ago, an email led me to an article titled "Solve the Mystery of the Pointy S." The article introduced me to a symbol that ignited a long-lost memory. I remembered drawing it in primary school, but where did it originate? Why was it so universally recognized, yet no one knew its true origin?
The symbol, a stylized 'S' composed of vertical and diagonal lines, seemed to transcend borders. People from all corners of the globe had drawn it, yet no one could claim to know its source. Was it just a localized fad, or did it have deeper roots?
Determined to uncover the truth, I embarked on a journey. I scoured the internet, finding over 40 online discussions about the symbol. My initial assumption was that it was strongly associated with the American clothing brand Stüssy, but the evidence was elusive. Despite its similarity to the Stüssy logo, no one could produce a piece of clothing or a photograph featuring the exact design.
As I ventured further, I considered other possibilities. Could it be a simplified version of the Suzuki logo? Or perhaps a logo used by a rock or metal band? Each lead took me to a dead end, until I stumbled upon a comment suggesting the symbol began as a puzzle. This sparked a new direction in my search.
The puzzle, a matchstick challenge published in a magazine called Dynamite, seemed promising. However, it was not the origin I was looking for. But the search wasn't in vain; it led me to an unexpected discovery. The symbol was featured in a 1973 photograph taken in New York City by Jon Naar, a photographer known for his work on graffiti.
Could the symbol have originated within the American graffiti movement of the '60s and '70s? The idea made sense. Graffiti artists often used outlined block letters, and drawing a symmetrical 'S' could be challenging. Perhaps this frustration birthed the simpler version we know today.
The oldest known evidence of the Universal S dates back to the early 1970s, with photographs taken in Los Angeles. This evidence, while not the origin, provided much-needed motivation to continue the search.
In a surprising twist, I found an illustration in a book published in 1890 that bore a striking resemblance to the Universal S. This suggests the symbol may have originated over a century ago, perhaps taught by a professor at Princeton University.
The Universal S is a perfect example of a meme, an idea or behavior transmitted from person to person. Its simplicity and practicality made it highly shareable, and its origins remain shrouded in mystery.
After years of searching, I may not have found the definitive origin of the Universal S, but I have uncovered a rich tapestry of history and culture. This symbol, with its unknown beginnings, continues to captivate and intrigue. Whether it dates back to the dawn of mankind or a 19th-century classroom, the Universal S is a testament to the enduring power of symbols and their ability to connect us across time and space. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Until next time, keep exploring the wonders of our world.
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