Life is what you make of it...
Psychologist Jerome Bruner was quoted in Gerard Hauser’s text, Introduction to Rhetorical Theory, arguing “the point that these culturally influenced cognitive linguistic processes that shape the telling of our life story also condition the way we perceptually experience, remember, organize, and ascribe purpose to the events of life,” (188). Bruner’s claim generated a question from my class peer Kenny McCray about the potential self-impediment of experience(s) due to our past encounters and understandings.
It is important to consider Hauser’s point of “rightness,” when considering the latent challenges that may be posed by our understandings; “standards of rightness apply to my life story as much as my account of last Saturday’s football game” (188). It is important to know what has value within your life. It is important to understand the core values that make-up the foundation of your life and how they were developed. Who were the people in your life that helped you grow into those values? What experiences did you have that either confirmed or opposed your beliefs, making them stronger, or opening the opportunity of change? In this sense it is imperative that one pays attention to stories and events that seem important to us, to remember, reflect and discern upon their impact within our lives.
However, as Kenny suggested there is a chance that by focusing too much on the life experiences and stories of our own lives, that we miss the opening to learn from another story. I traveled to along the coast of Italy, into Bosnia and Croatia for two weeks during my freshman year of college to study the evolution and significance of the Catholic Church and the Catholic faith. I traveled to Medjugorje, Bosnia where for over twenty-years now has been the site where six witnesses have testified the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to them to bestow messages of compassion, love, and hope.
As an individual who has struggled with faith, and organized religion I entered Bosnia skeptically, expecting to gain very little from the experience. Yet, as I stood on an ancient cobbled street in the pouring rain, against a hillside of uneven rocks and mud, amongst two-hundred people, waiting in anticipation for Vicka Ivanković, one of the six individuals to receive apparitions, I was overwhelmed. Vicka Ivanković delivered the message she had received from the Blessed Mother in Bosnian. Her message was translated into 6 different languages, English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Croatian, and Vietnamese. Vicka spoke about her experience of hiding as young child in the early 1980’s from political oppression because of the “Catholic messages” she had been receiving. She described the hope and sense of warmth that she received from her belief and faith in the church and the Blessed Mother. Although, I myself did not connect to Vicka’s message about the church, I gained an incredible perspective on the significance and need for there to be something in the world that people can look to for support and explanation. Even though I do not find explanation in the mystery of God and the Catholic faith, there are those who do.
Considering my own story in the hills of Bosnia, I believe that with an open mind Hauser’s “rightness” can be found in any story, and our personal “blinders” can be mostly removed. It is not always an easy challenge to be open to the story of others, yet life is what you make of it, and it is always more interesting when you are not the only character in it.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
I found myself repeating in my mind the infamous proverb, “a picture is worth a thousand words” while reading classmate Jordon’s Laine’s question concerning Sonja Foss’s article, Framing the Study of Visual Rhetoric. Foss claims that the focus of ‘function’ when interpreting visual objects, is the effect the creator of the visual image intended upon an audience. Thus, from a visual image a meaning or function is produced. Foss neither negates numerous functions stemming from one image, nor does she affirm the idea. It is within this grey-area that Jordan Laine questions; if an audience is not specifically told the function of an image, as we were with photograph of JFK’s son salute can more than one function exist?
I argue yes. “A picture is worth a thousand words” is a strong verbal manifestation of how many understandings can be perceived from a single image. The proverb speaks to the complexity of a story behind a solitary vision. As we have discussed in class, symbols, images, even words are mere representations of reality. They are arbitrary and ambiguous, depending on context culture and the symbol, in this case the image.
Modern art, one of the most controversial and misunderstood forms of talent make for a good example of how an image can produce multiple functions. A black canvas hanging in the Seattle Art Museum, may be interpreted by many to be a waste of canvas and space. Statements often uttered in modern art displays such as, “My child could do that,” or “what are they even trying to say?” are examples of individuals who find no function within the art. However, an art history student studying at the University of Washington may sit in front to the painting for over an hour examining how each brush stroke on the canvas runs at a different angle, creating a subtle difference of color within each stroke. Perhaps the student will walk away understanding the function of the piece to illustrate a personal conflict. The variance of the strokes depicts the indecision and battle of the artist. Perhaps it is a battle with modernity, or the current political culture.
I believe the argument that there can be more than one function of an image is easily made. I more pressing and exhaustive question to ask is “why” do individuals walk away with a different understanding of an image’s function? One reason being, our culture, an American understanding of Vietnam propaganda will be understood on a vastly different scale than an individual in South Africa. The image of a massive, angry ape on top of a building wearing a red cape, grasping a petite white woman will be understood in America as the threat of communism. Yet, in other areas of the world the image could be understood as America’s fear of gorillas. Or perhaps, that America is trying to warn the people of the nation of a vicious animal attack on the nation, or perhaps it appears as a movie advertisement. Where an individual is in life, physically, emotionally, mentally, and demographically will all impact an individual’s perception of function as well. My understanding, as a college student of an image of the American flag, will be incredibly different than a five year-olds understanding, or even different than a college student raised in the South.
It is because of these different perceptions that we must engage in open dialogue with one another, not necessarily to reach perfect agreements, but to allow for understanding and appreciation of our differences and similarities.
I argue yes. “A picture is worth a thousand words” is a strong verbal manifestation of how many understandings can be perceived from a single image. The proverb speaks to the complexity of a story behind a solitary vision. As we have discussed in class, symbols, images, even words are mere representations of reality. They are arbitrary and ambiguous, depending on context culture and the symbol, in this case the image.
Modern art, one of the most controversial and misunderstood forms of talent make for a good example of how an image can produce multiple functions. A black canvas hanging in the Seattle Art Museum, may be interpreted by many to be a waste of canvas and space. Statements often uttered in modern art displays such as, “My child could do that,” or “what are they even trying to say?” are examples of individuals who find no function within the art. However, an art history student studying at the University of Washington may sit in front to the painting for over an hour examining how each brush stroke on the canvas runs at a different angle, creating a subtle difference of color within each stroke. Perhaps the student will walk away understanding the function of the piece to illustrate a personal conflict. The variance of the strokes depicts the indecision and battle of the artist. Perhaps it is a battle with modernity, or the current political culture.
I believe the argument that there can be more than one function of an image is easily made. I more pressing and exhaustive question to ask is “why” do individuals walk away with a different understanding of an image’s function? One reason being, our culture, an American understanding of Vietnam propaganda will be understood on a vastly different scale than an individual in South Africa. The image of a massive, angry ape on top of a building wearing a red cape, grasping a petite white woman will be understood in America as the threat of communism. Yet, in other areas of the world the image could be understood as America’s fear of gorillas. Or perhaps, that America is trying to warn the people of the nation of a vicious animal attack on the nation, or perhaps it appears as a movie advertisement. Where an individual is in life, physically, emotionally, mentally, and demographically will all impact an individual’s perception of function as well. My understanding, as a college student of an image of the American flag, will be incredibly different than a five year-olds understanding, or even different than a college student raised in the South.
It is because of these different perceptions that we must engage in open dialogue with one another, not necessarily to reach perfect agreements, but to allow for understanding and appreciation of our differences and similarities.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Impact of Language
1. Author, Gerard Hauser summarizes the basic understanding of ‘experiential language use’ in his book Introduction to Rhetorical Theory. In his explanation, Hauser offers an example of America’s language development due in part to physical encounters, as well as from our cultural orientation. Hauser explains the American understanding of ‘up, down, front and back.’ He illustrates that the American perception of these directions is merely a matter of perspective. For in reality, there is no ‘bottom’ to a ball, and there is no real ‘back’ to a tree. “Our culture makes an orientational assumption…(226)” However, America’s assumption will vary greatly from a Nigerian, South African, or Vietnamese assumption – How will understanding the basic differences in language development and use, impact the modern movement toward globalization? How does being aware of the cultural variations in language development help you to become a more active ‘global citizen’?
2. Although, opinion polls are used often, especially during election years Hauser states opinion polls can only give us responses to structural questions; “We are unable to find out whether participants were genuinely interested in the material, how much background information they may or may not have had on the subject” (94). If the information we receive from the polls is not completely authentic and lacks totality, why is public opinion polling important? Is there a way to enable discussion and depth within publics theory despite the current limitations to engage in discourse? What are the risks/challenges that may exist if we have merely opinions, but no judgment or reasoning backing the opinions of the public?
3. Although, I was emotionally touched by Dickinson’s argument to utilize rhetoric and communication in an effort to create and maintain memories of cultural identity, I am interested in his notion that an individual may find their identity within images, memories and interactions of their surrounding. Dickinson states, “Old Pasadena provides the images of comfort, community, and home necessary for the needs of identity, utilizing memory to suggest authenticity, and the attempt to stabilize, finalize and, in a most literal sense, place identity” (7). While I agree that the above mentioned characteristics aid in an individual’s creation of identity, I will argue that no matter what location geographically, emotionally, or physically a person is in, their sense of identity is constantly shifting due to experiences, their background, the people they meet, the conversations they partake in and the meaning they initiate. Do you agree or disagree? Considering the city you grew up in, or are now living in, is there a distinct, well known history, and how if any has it impacted you?
2. Although, opinion polls are used often, especially during election years Hauser states opinion polls can only give us responses to structural questions; “We are unable to find out whether participants were genuinely interested in the material, how much background information they may or may not have had on the subject” (94). If the information we receive from the polls is not completely authentic and lacks totality, why is public opinion polling important? Is there a way to enable discussion and depth within publics theory despite the current limitations to engage in discourse? What are the risks/challenges that may exist if we have merely opinions, but no judgment or reasoning backing the opinions of the public?
3. Although, I was emotionally touched by Dickinson’s argument to utilize rhetoric and communication in an effort to create and maintain memories of cultural identity, I am interested in his notion that an individual may find their identity within images, memories and interactions of their surrounding. Dickinson states, “Old Pasadena provides the images of comfort, community, and home necessary for the needs of identity, utilizing memory to suggest authenticity, and the attempt to stabilize, finalize and, in a most literal sense, place identity” (7). While I agree that the above mentioned characteristics aid in an individual’s creation of identity, I will argue that no matter what location geographically, emotionally, or physically a person is in, their sense of identity is constantly shifting due to experiences, their background, the people they meet, the conversations they partake in and the meaning they initiate. Do you agree or disagree? Considering the city you grew up in, or are now living in, is there a distinct, well known history, and how if any has it impacted you?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Reflection upon Words
1. In his article, The Rhetorical Situation, author Lloyd Blitzer delves into the impact of specific social situations have on rhetoric. Blitzer makes a reference to author, Bronislaw Malinowski’s observations of the local fisherman in the Trobriand Islands and the particular language they use to communicate to one another while working. Malinowski concludes from the utterances of the fishermen “language functions as a link in concerted human activity, as a piece of human behavior. It is a mode of action and not an instrument of reflection” (4). Although, I agree that language is a piece of human behavior, as it is one of the defining features of a culture. However, I have a difficult time supporting Malinowski’s claim language is solely ‘a mode of action.’ Consider personal memoirs and individual writings in a journal or diary. While writing in a diary is an act itself, the language used on the pages illustrates a person’s thoughts, ideas and hopes ruminations on life and certain experiences. There is in fact no assurance that any idea within the writings will be physically acted upon. Are there any other forms of language that may illustrate simple reflection, rather than pure action?
2. Irving Goffman reiterates author, Robert Park’s argument that humans are constantly wearing a mask and playing a role. Park states “In the end, our conception of our role becomes second nature and an integral part of our personality” (19-20). Goffman exemplifies Park’s point in his description of the couple in Shetland. As the owners of a hotel, the couple catered to countless middle class tourists, whom they originally looked upon with cynicism. Yet, as time passed and the couple became more familiar with the middle-class population, they themselves were becoming more and more similar to their clientele, their masks had changed. However, if the couple was removed from their surroundings, perhaps placed in an area with people that fit within the paradigm they had originally lived in, would their masks and views of the consumers result back to their initial cynical outlook? Or would the impact of their vocation as hotel owners have changed the foundation of their masks and thus their personalities?
3. When asserting how to define a situation in his book Introduction to Rhetorical Theory, Gerard Hauser summarizes meanings emerge from how situations are defined. “Our situational definitions evoke basic response patterns of approach and avoidance, of territoriality and self-preservation…”(42). For the majority, most individuals will be able to define a situation and create their own meaning of the circumstance. However, often times, a single situation will leave a number of people with a completely different definition and meaning of what occurred. What types of events, characteristics, issues etc. make people define situations the way they do (i.e. religion, race, gender, cultural upbringing etc.)?
2. Irving Goffman reiterates author, Robert Park’s argument that humans are constantly wearing a mask and playing a role. Park states “In the end, our conception of our role becomes second nature and an integral part of our personality” (19-20). Goffman exemplifies Park’s point in his description of the couple in Shetland. As the owners of a hotel, the couple catered to countless middle class tourists, whom they originally looked upon with cynicism. Yet, as time passed and the couple became more familiar with the middle-class population, they themselves were becoming more and more similar to their clientele, their masks had changed. However, if the couple was removed from their surroundings, perhaps placed in an area with people that fit within the paradigm they had originally lived in, would their masks and views of the consumers result back to their initial cynical outlook? Or would the impact of their vocation as hotel owners have changed the foundation of their masks and thus their personalities?
3. When asserting how to define a situation in his book Introduction to Rhetorical Theory, Gerard Hauser summarizes meanings emerge from how situations are defined. “Our situational definitions evoke basic response patterns of approach and avoidance, of territoriality and self-preservation…”(42). For the majority, most individuals will be able to define a situation and create their own meaning of the circumstance. However, often times, a single situation will leave a number of people with a completely different definition and meaning of what occurred. What types of events, characteristics, issues etc. make people define situations the way they do (i.e. religion, race, gender, cultural upbringing etc.)?
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