Crows and ravens as indicators of socioeconomic and cultural changes in urban areas

Abstract

Crows and ravens are deeply symbolic. They have featured in myriads of myths and legends. They have been perceived as ominous, totemic, but also smart and intelligent birds by various peoples around the world. They have heralded bad luck and evoked negative associations. How are they perceived today, in the time of the Internet, mobile devices, and popular culture? Is the young generation familiar with the legends, tales, or beliefs related to these birds? The purpose of this paper was to determine the place of the crow and raven in the consciousness of young generations, referred to as Generation Y and Generation Z. The authors proposed that young people, Generations Y and Z, were not familiar with the symbolism of crows and ravens, attached no weight to them, and failed to appreciate their past cultural roles. The survey involved respondents aged 60 and over as well. Both online surveys and direct, in-depth, structured interviews were employed. It was demonstrated that the crow and raven are ominous birds that herald bad luck and evoke negative associations and feelings in the consciousness of young generations. The perception of crows and ravens by the younger generation stems mostly from popular culture and the appearance and behavior of the birds. The ways in which crows and ravens are represented in popular culture and perceived by the public may directly affect their fate in areas with human presence.