In conventional quantum field theories only global symmetries can be
used to classify physical states. Taking this seriously implies that
local gauge symmetries cannot have physical meaning. It is shown how
this affects our understanding of elementary particles, especially the
Higgs and the weak gauge bosons, and what are the implications for both
current experiments as well as searches for new physics. Finally, this
becomes aggravated in attempts to formulate quantum gravity. The
challenges faced in this context and their potential implications will
be outlined.