Pedestalled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, placing someone on a pedestal can symbolize respect, but it can also create unrealistic expectations.
• The term is often used in discussions about celebrity culture, where public figures may be viewed as flawless.
• In literature and art, characters are sometimes 'pedestalled' to explore the themes of power and vulnerability.

Psychology

• Pedestalling can lead to the 'halo effect', where people perceive someone as having positive traits solely due to their elevated status.
• Research indicates that both admiration and envy can arise when individuals are pedestalled, affecting personal relationships.
• This phenomenon often creates pressure, as those placed on pedestals may feel the need to maintain a perfect image.

Modern Usage

• In social media contexts, many users create curated identities that can lead to followers placing them on pedestals.
• The phrase 'put on a pedestal' is commonly used in discussions about unrealistic college admission expectations.
• Critics often argue that pedestalling individuals can diminish authenticity, as they may feel compelled to live up to an image.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from 'pedestal', which is derived from the Latin 'pedestalis', meaning 'foot' or 'base'.
• In 16th-century Italy, the use of pedestals in architecture symbolized the status of important figures or artworks.
• Over time, 'pedestal' evolved beyond physical stands to refer to elevated status or admiration in social contexts.

The term 'pedestal' originates from the Italian word 'pedestallo', which means 'foot of a statue.' It has its roots in Latin 'pedestalium', from 'pes', meaning 'foot.' In the 18th century, the figurative use of pedestal began to emerge, where it was used to describe the act of elevating someone’s status or perception in society, akin to putting a statue on a physical pedestal. Over time, the concept expanded to encompass the idea of idolization in personal relationships, politics, and the media, where public figures, artists, or loved ones are often pedestalized, leading to unrealistic expectations. This usage reflects societal norms of admiration that can lead to the disappointment when those individuals do not meet flawless standards. Thus, the act of 'pedestalling' has become synonymous with both adoration and the potential pitfalls of disregarding human flaws.