Is symbolism real?

FInding symbolism in essays and literature is one of those "chores" that inspires students to ask "but when do we use this in the real world???" Until I was unloading my pockets in the ladies room this morning, I didn't realize how often we did. Every time we are swayed by advertising or politics, symbolism is working its forces on us. I'm relatively immune to the ones I've learned to thwart, especially the overtly manipulative "aren't you afraid you'll have a MESSY HOUSE and be INADEQUATE??" ones. However, this morning I found myself successfully - almost easily - resisting the urge... the absolutely valid and genuine hunger... to go to the cafeteria and get food, because I'm saving my pennies.
I've tried to save for things before and it pretty much requires leaving the cash AT HOME. I'm a fundamentally impulsive (spontaneous, if you want the positive spin) person. Why am I eating the oatmeal I brought now, then?
BEcause this blender accessory for my bicycle symbolizes spontaneity, free-spiritedness, freedom from fossil fuels and all the bad things, so strongly that heck, I'm willing to surrender some of that spontaneity for it.
At any rate, when somebody asks you why they have to understand symbols, don't start by trying to explain the rapture of the symbolism of the A in A Scarlet Letter... start with the advertisements you see every day.