Post 2 ASSIGNMENT

Blog Critical Reflection #2
Plato (and Ancient thinkers generally) understood the arts to have tremendous power, insofar as they depict some reality or can create a new one. To keep a fledgling state safe, Plato reasoned, this power of the arts should be marshaled and used for the good of the state—to empower the state and lead it on a prosperous path, toward unity and glorification rather than toward disharmony and conflict. Identify (1) some current artwork that you (or others) suggest leads the state or nation forward, and (2) some other example that you (or others) argue does the opposite. Give what you think would be Plato’s view on these examples, drawing on relevant passages in his texts (and, if you want, points made in class discussion).

DIRECTIONS:
TITLE: your name, post 2 (ex: Joe K., post 2)
FIRST ITEM IN YOUR TEXT: your full name
LABEL: post 2

Laura post 1

Part I

Image 1) Pellegrino Sparkling Water

http://www.mintat.co.uk/images/jobs/SPell-water.jpg

This S.Pellegrino ad consists of five different manners in which the sparkling water is packaged. I see the company as hoping to show consumers how versatile they can make their product in the way it is contained. The first and fifth S.Pellegrino images could be closely compared to alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer. It could be assumed that S.Pellegrino is trying to market to the higher class constituency who enjoy such beverages and appreciate the foreign European appearance. The S. Pellegrino Company is trying to market its sparkling mineral water so that customers will recognize its Italian origins and to many Americans, European products are attractive to us because they seem to be of higher quality and are generally different than what we are used to.

Image 2) American History X movie cover

http://www.impawards.com/1998/posters/american_history_x.jpg

My second image displays the cover of the movie American History X with its main character, Derek Vinyard, played by Edward Norton. He has his right hand over his heart, assuming the pledging position accompanied by his furrowed brow and scowled face. What is more apparent though, is the large swastika tattooed on his left breast, externally over his heart. We also catch glimpses of his other tattoos on his arms and soldiers. Norton’s shaved head may also lead others to assume that he is a member of the subculture known as the Skinheads who share in ideologies that embrace racism and violence. His appearance leads us to believe that his character encompasses these kinds of racist and violent principles and that the movie will consist of him rebelling against society and playing the villain figure. However, the movie demonstrates his ability to change and the struggle he has with his younger brother and fellow Skinhead members once he is released out of jail with extreme alterations made in his social and political positions. I believe this particular movie’s distributor is taking a chance in acquiring its maximum profit in sales from the general public. Most may assume it says nothing beyond anything racist or projects nothing beyond violence based on the cover, therefore many people would not purchase it. Only those who are attracted simply by the appearance of Edward Norton’s character and their assumptions of his beliefs or those who see a deeper meaning behind what is initially portrayed will desire to purchase the film.

Image 3) Thread for Thought tee on model

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-5128165047196212904&itemdescription=true&itemCount=-1&id=13482096&parentid=W_APP_TEES&sortProperties=%2Bproduct.marketingPriority%2C-product.startDate&navCount=4&_D%3AnavCount=+&navAction=poppush&color=&_DARGS=%2Furban%2Fcatalog%2Fcommon%2Fitemlink.jsp

(2^nd link) http://www.synaptic.bc.ca/gallery/BombingForPeace.htm

This Thread for Thought tee shirt displays the quote, “Bombing for Peace is Like F*cking for Virginity”. Many consumers of Thread for Thought tees will also know that this company donates some of its profits to various charities and makes their clothing articles out of organic cotton. Many may find this shirt’s message to be too outspoken or detrimental to morality for its obscenely humorous message. The majority of people would assume that the individual who wears this shirt associates themselves with the anti-war, anti-Bush, and liberal democratic political side. While this would most likely be the case, some consumers of this product may simply appreciate its wittiness as a statement since virginity cannot be maintained through fornication, just as peace doesn’t seem like a goal that can be achieved through violent acts, such as bombing. The second site link provided shows the same statement on a sign in a pro-peace rally during the Vietnam War period in the 1960’s. This shows the versatility of the statement and how it is still used today in comparing Vietnam and the War against Terrorism.
The shirt is also worn by an attractive model whose defiant and independent gaze to the left lead the consumer to believe that by wearing this item, you too can be more independent and display your opinion about political issues or against the contrary statement of “bombing for peace”.
Semiotic Analysis

The message displayed across the front of the shirt, bold print, and use of suggestive language – signifier

The model’s capability of wearing the shirt that demonstrates the importance of taking a stand confidently and displaying a message that may not be fully accepted by society, no matter where the consumer’s intentions may lie – signified
The total image of the model and the shirt leads consumers to believe that they too can be an activist for the statement and promote the contradictory statement of “bombing for peace” by comparing it to fornicating in order to achieve or maintain virginity. The overall declaration is to promote an active and young feminine society that can seize self-belief.

Semiotic Analysis

Image 4) Rage Against the Machine CD

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r113/laurac423/rcc003.jpg

Music is a very important means of media in our society and many musicians and bands focus a lot of their music towards speaking out about their country and government. Rage Against the Machine uses this image of Thich Quang Duc as the cover of their 1992 self entitled album. This scene shows the Buddhist monk, Duc, setting himself aflame in order to protest his South Vietnamese government’s persecution of his religion of Buddhism. This CD is a great representation of the true nature of Rage Against the Machine’s music and its purpose. Just as Duc took a stand against his government, RATM provides a radical message in their music and are public activists. You can see from the Parental Advisory sticker assigned and also from the band’s name that they provide politically charged lyrics that aren’t intended for any particular sort of easy listening, but rather to ignite, as the cover shows, some sort of passion within its listeners to fight apathy, become informed, and take action. This band is trying to appeal to consumers who wish to listen to music that possesses evocative lyrics and those who want to be inspired by what plays in their headphones.

Image 5) Scion xD advertisement

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r113/laurac423/rcc001.jpg

This 3d poster displayed in my room was recently taken from and alternative music magazine that was advertising the 2008 Scion xD. You can see that the ad contains the quote, “Fall with the Herd”, which can be representative of why you should invest in the new Scion vehicle. You see the majority of the figures in the ad are sheep like people who are all stumbling over the monster character’s rope set out to trip them. This ad, due to its appearance and origin of the alternative magazine, will appear to the younger generation who may be investing in a vehicle in the near future. The Scion xD according to its own website offers particular specs that would appeal to the younger constituency and costs only around $16,000. I think the ad does indeed engage younger viewers who may be trying to stray away from normalcy and stand defiant apart from “the herd”. This ad implies that by being independent you will not “fall with the herd”. This indeed may be true because this is a reasonably priced vehicle that has an efficient gas mileage packaged in an alternative looking car that most teenagers and young adults are looking for.
Semiotic Analysis
The monsters tripping the sheep as the entire image – signifier
“Fall with the herd” message demonstrated by the image – signified
The sign is the collective promotion that by purchasing the Scion xD you will stand independent and therefore make the successful choice, while watching all the others choose the lesser alternative which will serve them less efficiently.

High vs. Low Art

Low

(Hard to see – the bottom left corner displays: “Best Before End Of/The/World”)

http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r113/laurac423/?action=view&current=rcc002.jpg

(2^nd link) http://www.linkvending.co.uk/Images%20NaturalFoods%20Snacks/SunmaidRaisins.jpg

(Please ignore me in this pictureJ)
I walked by this poster attached to a phone booth every day while I was in London, UK this summer and appreciated its transformation of the Sunmaid Raisins symbol into an artistic political statement. I noticed the basket of grenades the woman in the gas mask is holding as planes are dropping bombs in the background as to show the end of the world approaching. This inventive means of art demonstrates the somewhat satirical message that Air Raid Sirens would best serve the public before the end of the world, but would probably not really be as effective as hoped to be. By viewing the 2^nd link posted above you can read even more into the image by comparing it to what it was initially based off of. This work is representative of “low art”only because of its lack of aesthetics in regards to those innovative of high art and its pop culture art classification.

High

http://www.if-art.com/spic/sdali/sdali43.jpg

The Average Bureaucrat by the Surrealist, Salvador Dali shows the innovative techniques the artist possessed during his time and more importantly his ideologies. He spoke out against the bureaucrats of his time and made clear his opinions about them. The painting can be interpreted as the mustached man is representative of the bureaucrat of his time and the two holes in his head are left to collect dust and shells, where his brain should be. Dali portrays the bureaucrat as lacking any intelligence or depth of thought and therefore stands out during his time because of his confidence in speaking out about political issues. His technique and connotative meaning of this artwork lead to this painting being classified as “high art”.

Part II

Mass media can serve both a democratic and oppressive function in our society today. We see that it can do both in particular by considering news broadcasting and when it first began to publicize the Vietnam War and the media’s continuing to publicize the wars and violence in years following. It had the positive effect of showing people what was really going on thousands of miles away to American soldiers and changed many people’s perspective on the idea of war. Due to its initial publication, many made public their aversion towards war and demonstrated against it. Today, however, the media and government has turned this tool around to serve a more negative purpose in some cases by twisting actual events around through various video and image editing, and therefore the truth is not always apparent.

Justin post 1

Part 1.

http://carryonamerica.com/photosforblog/starbucks.jpg

1. The omnipresent Starbucks logo is an example of images in advertising. Here, the logo does not represent anything that actually has existed, but is an abstract image depending on connotative meaning. The art deco style of the drawing of the mermaid creates a simple and classy look, complemented by the monochromatic color scheme. The mermaid is wearing a crown, which adds an air of authority to her. The truth value of the logo is low, as it does not purport to tell any explicit truth, but rather exists to increase the perceived style of the brand.

http://x6.no/images/omtaler/DVD/seinfeld46.jpg

2. Seinfeld was an extremely popular television show during the 1990s and still has a large following in this decade. Each episode includes several awkward or amusing, but believable scenarios that the characters deal with during the course of the show. The sitcom’s humor and appeal comes from its representation of life as chaotic, which most people can relate to. Although few real people have lives like those of the characters, all of us can imagine experiencing the situations in the show, which gives it a high truth value in the eyes of viewers. The show is even partially based on true events that happened to Jerry Seinfeld and his friends, which even gives it a level of denotative truth, although embellished.

http://www.wackypackages.org/realproductsscans/2004/jk/cheez-it_small.jpg

3. Cheez-its are a common snack. On the box, the crackers are displayed, as well as a wedge of cheese and a seal saying the crackers contain real cheese. The crackers are obviously not real, as a few are suspended in midair in the picture. They also look better than the real ones contained inside the box. Photographic truth here is violated, as the box picture has been altered by image editing and staging. But the assumption of photographic truth is useful in convincing consumers to buy the snacks, as they think they will be getting exactly what they see on the package.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/08/28/world/29refugees.600.jpg

4. This picture from the New York Times shows Iraqi refugees seeking help in Jordan. None of the refugees face the camera, showing their preoccupation with their own uncertain fate. A woman kneels alone towards the center of the image, deep in thought. A child clings to her mother, and other refugees shuffle about. There are no men in the picture. The image expresses the chaos facing the refugees, their fear, and their uncertainty. The picture denotes the existence of the refugees, and connotes the upheaval they face. Therefore, the refugees are the signifier, and their hardship and confusion the signified.

http://www.twittermosaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/the_blue_marble.jpg

5. The Blue Marble is perhaps the most famous picture of the Earth, taken from the moon during Apollo 17. It shows swirling clouds, azure seas, and the entirety of Africa in a single glimpse. The picture evokes awe at first, at the pure beauty of our world. It also creates a sense of triumph, as the human race has been able to leave behind its home and venture out into the unknown to get this image. But also, it reminds us the Earth is just one location in an infinite universe, and as vast as we think it is, it can be seen all at once. The truth value of the photograph is assumed to be absolute, as the Earth really existed as seen in the picture at one time, there is no way to “pose” the Earth, and the choice of framing encloses the entire Earth and nothing else. Here, the signifier is the planet Earth, and the signified is awe, triumph, and humbleness from being able to see our own world.

An example of high art on campus is the painting Country Games by Mel Hunter. This painting is located on the third floor of Olin Library, at the north end of the hall. The painting depicts two children playing hide and seek in the winter. One child hides in a covered part of a dilapidated barn, while the other can be seen searching outside in the snow. This painting is a form of high art because it is original, interpretable, and aesthetically pleasing. Mel Hunter painted this picture, which gives it value because it is the original – he created it himself, it is irreplaceable, and any reproductions must be made from it. The memories of childhood that flow through the viewer’s mind give the painting value because it makes the viewer think and interpret what is going on in the painting, and what meaning Hunter placed into it. Also, the winter scene of the painting is pleasing to look at, if one chooses not to look closely.

http://www.canmag.com/images/front/movies2007/300-poster4.jpg

This poster for the movie 300 is a form of low art because it is from popular culture. It was created to advertise the movie, not as a standalone piece of art. The poster relies on its relationship to the movie to make sense and generate appeal for itself. Also, the posters are all reproductions. The original is nowhere to be found, possibly digitally generated. There is also little interpretive value in the poster, because it makes its meaning explicit, which is to watch the movie.

Part 2.

The mass media is a way of creating the popular culture, and also of manipulating the customs and behavior of a society. It also is impossible to control except by an elite few who own the broadcasting and press companies.

The fastest way to get any message out is to disseminate it through television, because this will reach the greatest number of people. If nothing runs counter to this message it will go unchallenged and most people will gradually begin to accept it without even noticing. And since most people have favorite channels and programs, they are unlikely to encounter opposing ideas. An example of this occurring is the increase in both violence and sexuality in television and film over the past half a century. The film Psycho was controversial when it was released due to the famous shower scene. Today, such scenes are included in most films, and many have sex scenes. Violence has progressed the same way. Each year, horror films have become more and more violent, culminating with the release of Hostel. Audiences have been appalled at the blood and gore, but soon this will become acceptable as it has in the past, as the film industry changes the social perception of sexuality and violence.

Therefore, the media is powerful. But it is oppressive because individuals, or even a majority of individuals cannot rise to stop it easily. The media runs its programs to appeal to the greatest number of people. Since the media effectively controls the cultural norms, it can therefore control how it appeals to the majority, which will perpetuate its business. Even if a sizeable group opposes the media, it would have difficulty communicating its message due to FCC restrictions on television stations and networks, which allow only a few networks to have certain frequencies, which will prevent new stations from springing up. The media’s control over information is nearly impossible to shape, and difficult to stop.

The internet offers a rich underground for those opposing prevailing ideas to disseminate their information. The internet may gradually replace traditional mass media, which will result in more democratization of the media since anyone can put their own message on the internet.

Fatema post 1

http://www.romanceeverafter.com/images/Ahk50098.jpg

1. This painting depicts a well-dressed mother and daughter standing together outdoors. Because of both the style of painting as well as the fact that the scene was not photographically captured, the image itself may not be regarded as objective. It still does, however, perpetrate the iconic myth or ideology of motherhood in which the mother is shown in relation to her offspring as a nurturing individual. Here, she appears to be taking her daughter out for a walk, and the fact that the child appears both well-fed and clothed seems to indicate that she has been well-cared for by her mother.

On another level, the image also conforms to the myth of femininity. Both of the individuals depicted therein appear to be adorned with flowers, which blends them in with their surroundings. The similarity between the colors of the background and those within the young girl’s hat is especially striking; it may be said that the similarity itself connotes the way in which girls were, from a young age, brought up to follow the traditional values for ladies during that time period. They were to keep themselves well, and be found only among such appropriate surroundings.

The painting, then, functions as a representation of the ideal female and presents it as an uncontested truth. The subjects are made to appear content with their situation.

http://www.bigredhair.com/boilerplate/Sudan.jpg

2. This painting of a battle scene does not carry much value as “truth”; it appears, even through the style of painting, to be unrealistic. Rendering the image even less believable is the “metal man” situated among the red coat soldiers on the left of the picture.

Even though the painting lacks a believable quality, it is still able to send strong messages about the two sides depicted and may be seen as a representation of British (or white man’s) might as compared to the colored “enemy”. The British army appears determined, trained, and in uniform. They charge ahead against the enemy and take the offensive. They are shown in the foreground and appear more numerous than the opposition. In the background there is also visible a British man in uniform leading a group of what appear to be Indian (colored) soldiers (who are not dressed in uniform).

In comparison, the opposing army appear to be scattered and few; they have little order and already seem to be losing the fight. One of the clearest indications of this myth of “white” power can be seen in the profiles of the two leaders. Whilst the British leader appears to be charging ahead on his horse and points his sword forward in an apparent attempt to draw his troops to the front, the leader on the right points his stick (instead of a sword) backwards as his horse seemingly rears back in fright.

With all of these details put together, the image appears to function as a representation of the white man’s invincibility.

http://beforeithappens.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/muslim_women.jpg

3. This is a photographic image of a group of Muslim women in their chadors. The “truth value” assigned to such pictures is much greater than any painting or drawing due to the fact that it was captured through apparently unbiased machinery. Yet the framing of the picture, as well as the manner of depicting the subjects themselves can greatly alter what the image serves as a representation of.

The connotation of this picture is that Muslim women (covered with their chadors) have no identity. Their faces cannot be seen, and so they cannot be recognized or differentiated. Each woman appears to simply be one among many, without a mind or personality of her own. There is no uniqueness.

The only woman whose face is visible appears to be in distress, not happy or content. She looks backwards, as if to try and find a way out. It almost seems as though she is trapped within the sea of black. Her apparent inability to escape also seems to indicate a lack of free action and thought, as though the women are simply supposed to do as they are told.

*** Using Barthes’s model, the signifier would be the picture of a group of Muslim women, all wearing black, and almost all facing away from the camera. The signified would be a lack of individuality. Together, they form the sign.

The fact that the women are shown in a negative light without personalities of their own seems to be reversely promoting the American ideologies of independence and individuality. The image appears to put the Muslim/Iranian/Arab culture against that of majority Christian America. By showing an image of something which is not routinely seen in the USA (the hijab/chador), the image appears to create a larger rift than is necessary between the groups. The fact that the only woman whose face can be seen appears to be in distress also shows the “triumph” of the Christian ideology over Islam, which is many times wrongly portrayed to be suppressing women through the hijab.

http://octave6.tripod.com/webpages/toonpage/toons/alladin.jpg

4. This is a cartoon image which focuses on the characters of Jasmine and Aladdin. Aladdin is holding onto Jasmine, who clings to him for support. He is also holding a rope with which he appears to be planning to swing them to safety. Aladdin has a smile on his face and is looking at Jasmine, who looks the other way in fright.

Being a cartoon, the picture itself is not at all realistic and does not attempt to mirror the world around us. It does, however, still portray a myth, a seemingly universal truth, in which the men come to the aid of “damsels in distress”. Even though both characters are in trouble, and both have a means to escape, only Aladdin seems sure of the situation. He is the one who takes control and leads the distraught princess away. The connotation is thus that it is a man’s job to protect the women in the face of danger.

*** Using Barthes’s model, the signifier would be the image of Aladdin and Jasmine about to swing away from the danger surrounding them. The signified would be the traditional concepts of masculinity and femininity, especially with regards to a relationship between the two. Together, they form the sign, which seems to promote the ideology of male protection within a relationship. It is made to seem natural for women to seek physical and emotional care from the men. This is depicted in the picture through the fact that Jasmine clings physically to Aladdin who appears to be extremely calm compared to her. His smile, though she does not see it, appears to be self-sure (once again a part of what is considered to be masculine) and reassuring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGQf9dn0pDk

5. This car commercial denotes an Indian man doing whatever is necessary in order to try and make his normal car look like a Peugeot. Once again, it is not something that is likely to occur in real life; there is not much “truth value” in the commercial. It is interesting to note, however, that the ad does draw upon stereotypical views of Indians and the Indian culture. This includes the depiction of not very well-off Indians walking the dusty streets, elephants (the most obvious stretch), and crowds of onlookers. Also important is the fact that the Indians in the ad do not appear to be able to purchase a “nice looking” car such as the Peugeot; they ride in rickshaws and settle for a simple imitation of the original.

Regarding the car itself, the ad represents the Peugeot as being the height of envy. It is as if to say that people all across the world want that car above all others, no matter what the cost (in this case, destroying your initial car). The sacrifice is made to seem worthwhile. The end of the commercial with the men in the car attempts to send the message that the car makes the person; if you have a Peugeot, you will be considered “cool” wherever you go.

High vs. Low Art

High: http://www.rollins.edu/pr/photogallery/campusscenes/campus_ben_2.jpg

Low: http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/0/00/Honey_Nut_Cheerios_Mascot.jpg

One method of classification which can be applied to both works (the representation of Ben Franklin and the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee) is simply the way in which the works are displayed and used. Franklin’s representation is not a common sight; though it resides outdoors on campus, it still has a place of honor in front of one of the buildings and is situated on ground slightly different from the other pathways; it is “whiter” and contains a quote. Contrastingly, the Cheerios Bee is a common sight for most people. It is not given any honorable position in relation to other works, and may actually be lower in status due to the fact that it is used for advertising purposes instead of aesthetic ones.

Another difference which may be used in classifying one above the other is the level of detail. The sculpture of Ben Franklin appears to have taken a lot of time to create. Many details are present within the image itself that make it appear almost life-like. The bee, in comparison, is a simple cartoon which appears more in the line of pop-art than “high” art.

Also, and most obviously, is the fact that the sculpture would be much more admired by other people than the bee; people may pay to have such a representation of Ben Franklin, but nobody would give a significant amount of money to own an image that appears on hundreds of thousands of cereal boxes around the country.

Mass Media: Democratic or Oppressive function?

Overall, I believe that mass media has a democratic function in our society, especially as the types of media which are used become more open with lines of communication flowing in both directions.

Before mass media existed, it was easier for those in power to cover up or fabricate events in order to exert greater control over the masses. The advent of such media as newspapers, the radio, and later the television allowed people to become informed about occurrences around them. News reached homes faster as time went on, and it became harder for those in control to keep things secret.

Still, at this point, media also could have played an oppressive function. If those in power were able to control the news before it went out onto the air or in print, it would be possible for them to manipulate the thoughts of the people to a much greater degree than before; instead of simply covering the truth, it now became possible for them to create and sustain lies.

Now, however, technology has progressed even further. With the advent of the internet, it has become increasingly possible for the general public to become involved in the conversation that occurs in the media. Instead of simply being fed information as was previously true with the newspapers, radio, and television (all of which it would have been difficult to gain access to), people now have the ability to reply to others and post their own views for all to see. This allows for a greater and more equal and fair flow of information, which in turn promotes the democratic ideals of the freedoms of thought and expression. The general public is able to create blogs and other webpages, join chat groups, and even utilize e-mail as a quick method for submitting, for example, editorial articles to the newspaper for print. In this way, the internet and other technologies (such as the cell phone for calling in to radio shows and youtube as a response to tv) have also evened the playing field in the other forms of media.

rob post 1

Part I

Five Images

http://web.mit.edu/kenta/www/one/world-map.png

1. The first image is a fairly standard, typical two-dimensional representation, or map, of the world. Unlike more geographically focused maps, this one is primarily designed to display political realities. The different nations of the world are represented in different colors, and presumably the purpose of the map is to serve as an instructional or referential tool for those wishing to learn or discuss nations of the world. Since the first maps were created the assumptions and prejudices of the cartographer has been represented in his or her work. Although it is physically impossible to reproduce a three-dimensional object in two-dimensional space with complete accuracy in every aspect, recent years have seen charges of far more serious, harmful manipulation leveled at cartographers. For instance, it has been claimed that the standard maps we see are skewed to make certain portions of the world (primarily Europe, the USA, and other “first world” countries) appear larger. Countries and even continents whose inhabitants are non-white are shrunken to smaller sizes. The placements of certain areas of the world in the middle of the map and even the decision that North would always be represented as up while South would always be down can be viewed as charged with certain assumptions about the primacy of certain human populations over others. Maps are definitely images that purport to be absolutely true, which makes it all the more disturbing that they could be misused. The truth value of any map is already decreased due to the issue of 3-d/2-d conversion, and the fact that there is some evidence to support the claims that they have been manipulated decreases further their truth value.

http://www.macfacts.org/pictures/ads.jpg

2. The second image is familiar to most of us as the new ad campaign of Apple software. In the commercials the young man to the right (and he is always to the right, which is perhaps not entirely coincidental) is made to “represent” a MacIntosh computer (a Mac), while the older man on the left is supposed to be a personal computer (a PC). Through their dialogue it becomes clear that the Mac is being made to appear cooler, more fun, and more accessible. Presumably the process of degrading the PC and extolling the virtues of the Mac, often in highly humorous fashion, is meant to be reflective of the products themselves. It has been an extremely successful ad campaign, but one that makes a number of unusual claims. Despite their association, the human stand-ins are not computing machines. What is akin to an ad hominem attack in the commercial becomes ambiguously less so in reality. The truth value of these ads is hard to determine absolutely, but given that humans are discussing their own strengths and shortcomings and the viewer is meant to translate these discussions to inanimate machines, the ads cannot be absolutely true. They also are colored by their attempt to sell a certain product. Macs might be better (I doubt it), but we cannot really trust this fact just because Apple tells us so.

http://www.bootcampgraduations.com/images/Mgrad.jpg

3. The third image is from a Marine Corps graduation ceremony. Although presumably this image was taken simply to document a given event, we do encounter very similar types of images frequently. Any armed services recruitment drive might well have an image very similar to this one. The reason why is simple: this picture is meant to inspire. The picture is virtually dripping with concepts of patriotism, discipline, service, protection, and strength. In many ways the image is not at all reflective of the real Marine experience; a more accurate view might be had by examining the cover of this morning’s New York Times. However, an accurate depiction of the realities that most soldiers face would not, perhaps, inspire the same kinds of values. We are meant to see the stoic, disciplined young men marching through the picture and be reminded of the protection we receive from these valiant soldiers. There is also a gendered message hidden deeply in the image, with nary a female face to be seen. In a sense the truth value of this image is quite high, given that this actually happened. Any ideologies being represented in the image are in part due to the reaction of the viewer.

http://www.bd71.com/images/sexy-car.jpg

4. This fourth image was actually the first thing to come up when I searched for “car” on Google’s image search. The blatant myths or ideologies being represented in it felt too strong to pass up. For starters, this is hardly a typical car; a small minority of the population is all that would be likely able to afford this vehicle. Then there is the woman. Why put a barely clothed model next to the car? To connect the two mentally, of course. If the advertisers can get viewers to transfer their impressions of the woman over to the car, then men (who are no doubt the target audience) would think of the car as sexy. If you have a car like this, you can get women like that. The entire image has a subtext of consumerism; it is designed to make you want to have the car, and most likely the woman as well. The truth value of the image is clearly flawed. There is no real or necessary connection between attractive females and expensive, shiny cars. The woman is only on the car because she is being paid to be so; she would not want the viewer just because he or she buys the car.

http://walktaken.com/wp-content/uploads/Matt__s_Pics/Hillary_and_Barack_1.jpg

5. My fifth and final image surfaced several months ago as the tension first began mounting between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both Clinton and Obama had entered the race for the Democratic nomination for presidential candidacy, and it became clear that the two were testing the waters by firing small shots back and forth at each other. When viewing this image one is confronted with a number of ideologies (and more than a little curiosity about what they say to each other behind smiling facades) concerning our views on competition, politics, politicians, and even men and women. The image highlights our ideas of civility and how our politicians ought to be cordial despite being rivals. Both Clinton and Obama are well-dressed, polished, and appear generally happy. These are almost givens for what we expect from our public officials. The truth value of the image is almost certainly very low. In reality most political rivals are not very civil, and many times they probably detest one another. The perfection and polish we expect from them is unrealistic, and perhaps even ultimately harmful to themselves and to the general public.

Semiotic Analysis

For the Marine Corps graduation, the signifier is just a group of Homo sapiens marching and wearing standard clothing. The signified values are discipline, valor, bravery, protecting others, patriotism, defending the USA. The sign is that joining the Marine Corps will help you become a brave, noble, and disciplined soldier who can protect his or her country.

For the woman and the car, the signifier is an automotive, combustion-based vehicle and a Homo sapiens wearing a few small articles of clothing. The signified values are sexy, cool, desirable, powerful, materialism, and objectification of women. The sign is that having a car like this will make you popular with women like her.

High vs. Low Art

Given my lack of a digital camera, I will be forced to resort to describing these images. The first, my example of high art, ought to need no introduction or complex description. My example of high art is also the most visible on campus: the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Architecture is clearly a form of art, and the construction of striking Christian houses of worship was, for centuries, the most important type of architecture in the western world. Although our chapel is no Cathedral of Notre Dame, it is still an artistic statement that is meant to be pleasing to the supreme, divine lord of all creation, much less human beings. Complete with its steeple, ringing bells, and stained glass windows, it is one of the focal points of campus. We illuminate it at night and I have seen people painting it on multiple occasions in the past. Weddings are a constant fixture inside, and others come to have their picture taken with the chapel as a background. The time and energy spent to create it (and keep it looking nice, as the scaffolding around it all summer attested) and its use in other artistic endeavors suggests it is high art.

My example of low art is one most Rollins students have encountered, but few have ever stopped and examined. In the Alfond Sports Center there are a number of extra-large photographs of athletes competing in their various sports. These photographs are hung in various places around the sports center, but no one ever stops by the examine them as if the gym had suddenly become an art gallery. In fact many students might not be able to recall any details about any of the pictures. These images carry with them certain values of competition, athleticism, and victory, but no one considers them remotely artistic. Still, they are hung on the walls and qualify as low art.

Part II

As media becomes increasingly diverse, with television, YouTube, and other video-based forms becoming dominant, our defenses become less and less effective. We are trained (whether we realize it or not) to defend ourselves against arguments presented to us in writing. We can, to an extent, extend these same defenses to certain kinds of televised arguments, like debates. However, video is in many ways non-propositional speech, and therefore does not obey the normal rules of argumentation. As such we are left defenseless.

The point of this is that mass media is dangerous. We accept most things we see and hear without sufficient questioning and consideration. Most traditional sources of mass media are only mass in one direction. Information flows from a single source to a vast number of receivers. There is nothing democratic about the way that television, radio, newspapers, and other one-to-many forms of traditional mass media operate. An oligarchy of individuals, such as Rupert Murdoch, controls what is said. It is true that any information might be preferable to no information, but we could easily be fed lies by the television and radio, and without another source to counter them we would readily believe all we were told.

Yet there is hope. The internet, although far from perfect, may serve as a means for one-to-many mass media to be replaced by many-to-many communication. This revolution is beginning, albeit slowly. Just as it took time for the printing press to redefine one-to-one communication into one-to-many communication, it will take time for the internet to become integrated enough into our societies to cause a change. Also, just as illiterate individuals were left out of the writing revolution, those without the ability to successfully utilize emergent technologies will be left behind in the democratization of mass media. Already bloggers have had profound political effects, and as long as the internet does not fall under governmental or private control, the degree to which mass media is democratic will continue to increase.

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Blog Critical Reflection # 1

Part I: Find at least 5 images from your everyday surroundings. For each one, discuss how they function as representations, focusing on their truth value. How do they purport to tell the truth, and what truth is it?

1. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: More Than Just A Game

The above image can be found near the top of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ official website. The Devil Rays are a Major League Baseball team (my favorite, in fact), but they make the rather odd claim that the Ray experience is “More Than Just A Game.” The Devil Rays chose this as the theme of their ad campaign this season mainly because they were not expecting to be competitive this season (and, thus far, they have fulfilled these expectations splendidly). Since it is difficult to draw fans to see a losing team, the slogan takes the focus off of the scoreboard, emphasizing instead the complete experience of attending a game. The outlines of fans apparently having a great time appear next to the slogan to bring the point home: when you go to see the Devil Rays, you can have a great time, whether they win or lose.

2. Plus-44 Poster
This picture was the best representation I could find of a poster that is currently hung up in my room. It depicts the members of the band Plus-44. In addition to the picture, my poster has the band name (+44) in the upper left, their album’s name (When Your Heart Stops Beating) in the top right, a Parental Advisory label in the bottom left, and album release date and website information in the bottom right. The poster is a promotional tool to sell the band’s first album. It contains all four members of the band, but the two most famous, Mark Hoppus (left) and Travis Barker (right), formerly members of the iconic pop punk band Blink-182, are positioned in the front. This was obviously done strategically, to emphasize to any Blink-182 fans that they might enjoy Plus-44 as well due to the inclusion of two former members. Also, each member of the band sports an image that is very much in keeping with today’s musicians, specifically of the punk scene: guitarist Craig Fairbaugh (back left) has red hair and a plethora of tattoos, fellow guitarist Shane Mallory (back right) is bald with large studs in his ears and also with many tattoos, and drummer Barker sports a classy muscle shirt with the phrase “How To Murder Your Life” emblazoned across the front, as well as a large lip ring, a hairstyle that can likely be seen from space, and barely an inch of un-tattooed skin on his entire body. Even the frontman Hoppus, who appears straight-laced next to his colleagues due to his lack of body piercing and tattooes, wears a skull and cross bones on his t-shirt, and a hairstyle that is hardly indicative of the fact that he’s 35 and married with a child. Since no one in the band looks like your average joe, they gain credibility for being “hardcore”, for resisting the opportunities to “sell out.” For some reason, image is every bit as important to music sales as is the music itself.

3. Weeds Season One DVD Set

Weeds is a comedy television show on Showtime about a suburban single mother Nancy Botwin who sells marijuana to keep her family afloat. She is pictured in the center of the cover of the DVD box set. On either side of her stand Conrad and Haylia, her suppliers who live on the outskirts of town, and Doug and Celia, two residents of Agrestic, typical white, affluent suburb. Nancy is the bridge between these two seemingly divergent worlds as the cover portrays: As she leans on Haylia’s shoulder, her feet stand over with Doug and Celia. The cover also serves to portray the characters’ personalities: Conrad, smiling and friendly, always looking for ways to help; Haylia, the stereotypical stern black woman; Nancy, sexy and confident-looking, though not always the latter; Doug, with a nonchalant peek over the sunglasses, the CPA, city councilman, and stoner extraordinaire; and Celia, with a paranoid look on her face, which is fitting considering that the first episode reveals that the teddy bear she’s holding is a spy camera that she uses to spy on her teenage daughter. To complete the image, all the characters are sealed in a plastic bag, Nancy’s packaging of choice for her product.

4. Chuck E. Cheese’s – Where a kid can be a kid!

Before I launch into my analysis, I think I’m going to have to explain why this is an everyday image for me, because I don’t think this is quite self evident. My dad brought home a soft little ball from Chuck E. Cheese’s one day (he runs a rec basketball league, and I guess one of the teams was having an end of season party there), and I keep it in my room to play with when I’m bored or have too much energy. Anyway, this image is fairly straightforward. The logo states proudly that Chuck E. Cheese is “Where a kid can be a kid!” Chuck is giving the thumbs up, as if giving his approval to any fun ideas that a child might have.

5. Me!

This image is very special to me, I would assume because it is me. This is the picture that I use as my profile picture on Facebook. We talk a lot about representations, and this is the picture I use to represent myself to an online community. People pick pictures that they feel represent themselves in the most favorable light, either because they feel it makes them look attractive, fun, or some other attribute. Mine is a picture of me at Denny’s with some friends, though you can only see me. This is because my roommate was sitting across the table with his camera trained on me as if I was about to do something very special. I don’t think I ever did anything quite as cool as he was expecting, but when I put my hands up to mimic the creepy way in which he left his camera on me, he decided it was as good a time as any to take the picture. I use this picture for a couple reasons. First of all, it’s a relatively decent picture of me, of which I have very few. Second, with my crooked though endearing smile, you can tell I’m having a good time. The idea is that this picture makes me look like a fun person. Whether or not this is an accurate representation, well…

Select 2 of these images and, following the discussion on pp. 25-31, with diagram p. 29, carry out a semiotic analysis of the images in order to discern what ideology they could be promoting.

1. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: More Than Just A Game

Signifier: The Rays logo, the slogan “More Than Just A Game”, and the outline of fans having a great time (followed by the ever-present sponsor and website plug)

Signified: Fun

Sign: A Devil Rays game is a great activity to share with the whole family, whether or not the team wins.

2. Chuck E. Cheese’s: Where a kid can be a kid!

Signifier: Chuck E. Cheese giving the thumbs up over the restaurant name and the slogan.

Signified: Approval and encouragement

Sign: Chuck E. Cheese’s is a place where kids are encouraged to have a great time.

Find 2 more images, one of which should fall into the category of “high” art, using a work of art on campus (outdoor sculpture, museum, the library, offices, etc), and the other “lower” art. Discuss how they can be classified as “high” or “low.” (p. 31-35)

A piece of “high” art that I see on campus is the sculpture of Benjamin Franklin on the bench outside Carnegie Hall. He is seen holding the United States Constitution in his hand, with a quote at his feet that says, “Wisdom without education is like silver in the mine.” If you stop to consider these words and then what this educated man did with his life, you realize the value of education that he’s talking about. Being a part of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the result of which the sculpture holds in its hand, is just one of a long, long list of accomplishments, but it would still be the accomplishment of a lifetime. The doors of achievement open with a good education. This is a piece of high art because it was created by an artist to convey a message. Its subject is one of the most mythologized characters in American history, and his words in the ground hold a special meaning to an educational institution.

A piece of “low” art would be this movie poster for Old School

It’s low art because it doesn’t convey any sort of meaning beyond advertisement. It is meant to see a product, and that is the movie. It has no significant value, artistic or monetary.

Part II: In response to chpt 5, on mass media, discuss whether you think mass media has a democratic or an oppressive function in our society. Use examples of any kind of mass media to make your points, but be specific. We will return to this issue in Critical Reflection # 8.

Mass media has the potential to be a democratizing force in American society, but it rarely is that way in practice. There are many more options for people to explore than in decades past, but rarely does any exploration happen. People tend to stick to media that agrees with them: A liberal can drive to work while listening to NPR, play NoFX on their iPod, and watch NBC News at night. All the while, a conservative can stick to Rush Limbaugh, country music, and Fox News. Neither person has to ever encounter an opinion that differs from theirs. At the very least, they don’t have to withstand it for very long before they change the channel. This is more of a form of self-oppression than anything, but at least citizens have the option to expose themselves to other ideas, making the system inherently democratic.

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Part I:

The first image shows a TV airing a news story about Osama bin Laden. This news clip provides testament to just how important knowledge about current events has grown to society. The clip represents peoples’ desire to know what is going on in the world every second of every day. As the image on the TV is a photograph, it appears to be rather objective. It shows the truth that, whether currently dead or alive, Osama was, at some point, alive and standing in front of a particular tree-covered hill. However, this truth is by no means absolute. For example, the right side of Osama’s face is darkened. As a viewer, it is impossible to determine whether this shadow was created by the angle or by some technological “touch up.” Regardless, the darker face adds a somewhat mysterious or even sinister tone to the image that would not otherwise be present.

The second image portrays a burger, fries, and soft drink from Burger King. While for some people this image may immediately bring to mind clogged arteries and childhood obesity, the intent of the picture is clearly to represent a very fresh, filling, and tasty meal. Bright green lettuce and fire truck red peek out of a soft, fat bun. Meanwhile, in the background, golden yellow fries sprout out of their container as if they were blades of grass and a large cup is nearly overflowing with ice and cola. While it is a photograph and therefore holds a greater truth value than, say, a drawing, there remain several subjective elements to the photograph. The truth it attempts to convey is that food from Burger King looks like the food in the picture: crisp and delicious. However, the way in which the photographer chose to picture the meal takes away from the objectivity of the image. The way he arranged the food (burger in front), the lighting (bright), the angle from which he shot (straight on), and in particular the specific meal he chose to photograph (not greasy or scrunched) all help to create a deceivingly appetizing meal.

The third image is a Jim Bean advertisement. It shows a girl jumping out of a cake while a group of men laugh and watch appreciatively. In the bottom right-hand corner is a bottle of Jim Bean. This scene attempts to represent a sense of “forbidden” fun. The caption further helps to enforce this idea as it proclaims that the guys in the picture will deny the experience. Little of this photograph can be considered “true” as it was quite obviously staged. Everything from where the men were standing and what they were holding to their facial expressions to the black and white coloring of the picture, which helps create the sense that the picture is a “memory,” was most likely carefully planned and carried out. Therefore, the only truth that can be drawn from this photo is that a group of men was once assembled and told to appear surprised as a woman perched inside a fake cake and pretended to be jumping out of it.

The fourth image depicts a narrow trail wandering through a grassy, rolling hill. The caption labels the path “Your Road to Health, Hill Park Medical Center.” So, clearly, in addition to the obvious representation of a field, the image also portrays a sense of wellness. The thriving vegetation and unpolluted landscape give off an aura of health and wellbeing. The ad seems to imply that the medical center can leave people rejuvenated and strengthened simply by the serene yet vibrant setting. The landscape is almost undoubtedly an actual, true picture. However, the subject of the photograph, the angle from which it was taken, and the lighting were quite possibly manipulated by the photographer, making the photograph not entirely objective.

The fifth image pictures the cast of the TV show “Friends” holding a frame around themselves. More than simply depicting a group of six random people, this photograph represents, as the name of the show implies, a strong bond of friendship. The characters appear to be huddling together and even leaning on one another in the picture, as if in testament to how friends stick together and support one another in real life. While this was certainly not a “candid” photo (as very few people randomly stick their heads through empty frames just for the fun of it), it was also not ridiculously untruthful. The characters are staged, certainly, but they do not pretend to be anything more than they actually are: friends.

Semiotic Analysis:

Image number three:

Signifier: Jim Bean + signified: “forbidden” fun = sign: Jim Bean creates “forbidden” fun for the drinker

Ideology: drinking and having some reckless fun are natural for men

Image number four:

Signifier: Hill Park Medical Center + signified: wellness and health = sign: Hill Park Medical Center brings about a sense of health and wellness

Ideology: complete wellness and rejuvenation may be attained by a simple process

High Art:

This wood engraving by Winslow Homer is labeled, “The Army of the Potomac — Sharpshooter on Picket Duty.” This engraving is considered “high” art primarily because of its historic importance. According to the information about the artist on the Rollins Cornell Fine Arts Museum website, he was hired by Harper’s Weekly to introduce the readers to the “real” Civil War. Homers pieces of artwork allowed ordinary people to “experience” the Civil War and thus became very significant.

Low Art:

The Smurfs ad, on the other hand, functions as a representative of “low” art. It has no historic or moral significance. In fact, it’s primary objective is to sell Pez candies. In addition, there is nothing particularly unique about it that causes it to stand out amidst the countless other ads that resemble it.

Part II:

I believe that mass media has a democratic function in our society. Media presents many different views. When they are presented with different views, people have more opportunity to decide for themselves the ideals in which they wish to believe. For example, movies like Brokeback Mountain present scenarios far from the “traditional” family. By viewing films such as this one, people are introduced to a “different” way of living. Not only does media introduce people to different ways of thinking, it also allows them to express their own viewpoints. The movie Sicko expressed the not-too-uncommon view of America’s failing health system. While this movie, and many other pieces of media, often criticize the way this country is being run, it is through their criticisms that people eventually wake up and take notice of situations and, ultimately, take action. Media has allowed this country to progress as far as it has by allowing people to introduce, and receive, new ideas.

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Part I

An older ad from Abercrombie & Fitch used to promote its underwear line is pictured above. This is considered rather tame for Abercrombie & Fitch advertisements. Its purpose is to “promote the sale of Abercrombie underwear,” however this image depicts much more than comfortable briefs. A clearly masculine man is standing waterside with his arms around a half-naked and clearly attractive young lady. Both are laughing while kissing and embracing. This ad promotes the idea that if you wear Abercrombie boxers or boxies (female boxers), you too will have prince charming plus one crazy tattoo or Cinderella minus a bra to cuddle with near a remote lake. This is a representation of society as Abercrombie wants teenagers to view it. Abercrombie believes that sex is a natural and fun activity intricately woven into the lives of teenagers, so they will automatically relate to this ad through either experience or desire, thus promoting sales while also causing parents to become concerned with censorship. In truth, Abercrombie is right. Their use of naked male and female models does promote their sales. I don’t believe they would be such a popular line if they actually previewed more of their clothing in their advertisements. Wearing Abercrombie underwear won’t get you laid, but it might make you feel more confident. Since confidence is lacking so greatly amongst teenagers, this ad might not be entirely negative for society. Of course, the true value of this image is that it is completely staged. That wearing the right boxers or briefs or thongs won’t enable you to meet the right person for you. Still, the teenage society falls for this advertisement and purchases the products thinking “that could be me.” I guess Abercrombie knows what they’re doing when they advertise their clothing, perfume, and underwear lines using tanned and sometimes tattooed skin.

A feminist theory book entitled Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women is adorned with a cover featuring the author naked straddling a chair. Her breasts are shadowed by the chair, but compensating for that censorship is her left hand that is half sliding through her hair and half providing us with a friendly image of her middle finger. This picture is meant to suggest that the scorned woman, the desperate girl, and the mentally unstable drug-sing tramp actually has her own feminine right to be any and all of those three things. I absorbed this simply by looking at the author’s face; she’s a bitch, she knows it, and her arching eyebrow and demure smile prove it. The picture is clearly staged, and the viewer gets the idea that the author is condoning the image, the title of the book, and its contents with full confidence and pride. She’s proud to be the bitch she writes about. In truth, the image does portray exactly what it is intended to do. Elizabeth Wurtzel considers herself a difficult woman, so she has provided a perfect example for her readers or readers intrigued by the book.

As one of the less famous photographs from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Holly Golightly is pictured here looking through the glass of Tiffany’s & Co. If one didn’t know that this picture depicted Holly looking into the jewelry store, they’d think that she was an upperclass woman carrying breakfast while extremely over dressed. With the background knowledge of this film, the viewer knows that Holly is still wearing her eveningwear from the past night, she spends all the money she has the second she gets it, and she survives off of men’s stupidity. Still, this picture captures Holly in a state of elegance that fools everyone. She’s petite, adorned in pearls, and wearing long black gloves. She is able to trick people into assuming her social class in order to get by in life. I think this picture shows a genuine division between being able to deceive others into thinking you’re wealthy and actually being wealthy. Holly is on the outside of Tiffany’s with no money and she’s hardly considering a purchase for lack of funds. She is simply a passerby; someone who enjoys the view of the wealthy world from the other side of the glass. The crystal chandeliers in the front drop also add to this depiction.

Harry Potter provided our generation with a new dream: to be a wizard. Every young girl classically wants to be a princess, kiss a frog, and meet her prince charming while every young boy wants to be a superhero. Harry Potter created a revolution and opened a door filled with brand new dreams for young boys and girls around the world. This picture shows Harry in all his glory. His wand is raised at the ready and his focused eyes suggest that he is staring down an evil adversary. In truth, the entire picture is fiction. It’s staged to provide children with a bit of fright, excitement, and to entice them to see the movie and purchase additional Harry Potter items. There is no honesty in the picture, but instead the entire image has been fabricated starting in the mind of J.K. Rowling. As a side note, Harry is often an outcast at Hogwarts. In The Chamber of Secrets, he was accussed of being Slytherin’s heir. During other times throughout the series, Harry was ousted as being a suck-up, an attention whore, and stubborn. The point is his character is relatable. Many kids don’t quite fit into social groups, having only a few friends. Harry Potter showed that it was perfectly “normal” or perhaps a better word would be acceptable to fit in where you do and accept it as it is. Throughout the series he’s never tried to be anything other than himself, and that’s provided the readers with inspiration to do the same.

The Coca-Cola Company really challenged them with this advertisement. The picture tells you what you’re response should be: temptation. Then it follows the suggestion of temptation up with a reaffirmation (isn’t it!). The exclamation point might be my favorite part of this ad. Instead of being grammatically correct and placing a question mark at the end of the statement as if the ad were asking the viewer if they were tempted, the ad instead entices the viewer by implying the temptation felt after seeing this image is plain fact instead of personal preference. It’s a strong use of advertising: making the viewer think what you want them to think by telling them to think it. The truth in this photo is clear, there aren’t any bubbles that surround coke bottles even when their in glass containers. It’s a figment of the viewer’s imagination meant to excite salivary glands and taste buds.

Part II

The Abercrombie add promotes a sex as a form of a rampant and exciting ideology.

Abercrombie & Fitch Boxers (signifier) + Heterosexual sex (signified) = Wearing Abercrombie boxers increases your chance at having sex with attractive people (sign)

The book Bitch promotes a strong feminine ideology.

A girl (signifier) + bitchy attitude (signified) = self-righteousness and independence for women (sign)

Part III

The red sculpture outside of the Orlando building can be classified as high art because it is a large, 3-D metal sculpture whose existence has been condoned and supported by a reputable college. It’s on Holt Avenue, and thus a very obvious sculpture (one not hidden from the public’s eye).

A drawing that I drew back during elementary school would be considered an example of low art because it has no specific technique or symbolism, it isn’t displayed anywhere else except for my refrigerator, and the general public wouldn’t recognize it as art if they were to view it.