We continued into conversation regarding Marshall McLuhan and his idea that “the medium is the message” (Postman 10). We had mentioned this concept last class, but it seemed to sink in a little more this time. I had never truly considered that how I read or observe certain content can change my interpretation of its meaning or my understanding of it. It was intriguing to realize that reading Marshall McLuhan’s playboy interview on the computer is different than reading it in printed form. I never took into consideration that my means of studying, or my ability to study better, could be related to the medium I study off of. Perhaps I grasp information better off of one type of media than I do another. By printing out the interview, instead of reading it on the computer, I would have lied on my bed or wandered around highlighting important information. Such ways of studying would be distracting, and lying on my bed would make me sleepy. By reading the content with a computer, the light keeps me awake and focused at one place with minimal distraction. This could also go vice versa for other individuals.
I am incredibly interested in these concepts and new ways of thinking. We also discussed the use of our five senses. Many assume that when watching television or reading, we only use the main senses required for that activity; for television it would be sight and hearing, for reading it would be sight. However we actually use all of our senses all the time. This means that my sense of touch when reading may affect what I read, or that my sense of hearing is somehow connected to the pictures I see.
As a result of this lesson, I am beginning to think of how narrow-minded humans can be. There is so much happening every second of our lives, and so much that goes into simple tasks, such as reading or watching television, that we never take into consideration. For instance, we discussed the great success of the television show The Simpsons, and whether its success was attributed to its content, or to the visual aspects of the show itself. I was taken back when Mark suggested that its success was actually a result of the limited colour palette used by the producers. By using only minimal amounts of hues the audience’s senses work less and keeps the audience attached. I never seriously considered the strength of silent visual elements within our media, and its affect on viewers. Call me naïve, but I found myself very surprised.
The last bit of information I enjoyed about today’s class was the discussion between media and culture. We discussed four different and unique opinions on the relationship between media and culture. I attempted to place myself in only one of the four categories, but found myself torn between the concepts of culture determining media, and the two mirroring each other. I definitely believe that our culture has an influence on what is displayed in the media, and what is considered a priority or of most importance. For example, in China the government has extreme control over the media and what information can or cannot be distributed (CBS). This is part of their culture. People within other cultures do have control over what they buy and watch. I also feel that culture and media mirror each other. Whatever the culture sets its beliefs and values around, the media will live up to it in some degree. The media also continually introduces new products, methods, and trends into culture. I am tied between the two notions.
Overall, class was quite fascinating and a real eye opener.
Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death. New York: Penguin, 1986.
CBS. China Tightens Media Control. 10 Sept 2001. 13 Sept. 2007
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/10/world/main1990718.shtml
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