In order to develop a greater understanding of the
rhetorical criticism process when looking at internet memes, I did some
research on what other scholars have found within this particular field. It is
critical that I, through research, gain insight on effective methodology to receive
the maximum benefit of my analysis.
Subversive Memes: Internet Memes as a Form of Visual
Rhetoric, by Heidi E. Huntington is the analysis I had decided to use to gain a
better understanding of critical analysis on internet memes. Within the article,
she discusses these memes being applied to the Constructionists Approaches to
Representation, which includes the semiotic and discursive approaches. In
addition, she applies memes as Visual Rhetoric.
Huntington’s work takes a comprehensive look at
internet memes, discussing them beyond their physical presence in the internet
community. She explains their possible cultural significance as a text, and
what perceived meaning can come from them to different individuals. This
includes the power these texts may have to a culture within a larger frame than
the meme itself. In addition, it is discussed how memes could also be
considered persuasive while being examined as visual rhetoric.
Viewing how more experienced scholars than I took
the time to break down the text and perform critical analysis on them, it
served as an important learning experience towards my own work approach in
general. I have realized how essential it is to really break down the text into
its most rudimentary functions. I believe prior to this research, I was viewing
the subject matter in the wrong scope, focusing too strongly on what may be
rather insignificant details.
Huntington’s research brought up important thoughts
to keep in mind as viewing an internet meme as visual rhetoric. Most
importantly, just because the creator of a meme may believe that it means one thing;
it doesn’t have to mean that same thing to all of its viewers. I believe that
is important to be cognizant of no matter the framework I decided to analyze my
artifact with, as every individual may make their own connotation of the
message.
Within this article, Huntington describes memes as a
functioning part of a “participatory media culture.” While performing this
analysis, I believe this will also serve as a useful bit of information to keep
the correct scope. Individuals that are a part of this culture have the power
to create one of these memes just as much as the next person. Plenty of these texts
float around on the internet, and the meaning of them can be switched so easily
on an individual basis, as no two creators may be the same. In that sense, it
exemplifies the importance of viewing this from an overall perspective, not
focusing too strongly on any one particular example as the basis of my
examination.
Viewing firsthand how another scholar approaches the
analysis of these artifacts proves beneficial, as I can see what is important
to inspect in order to effectively contribute to the rhetorical community when
discussing internet memes.
Please cite your sources appropriately. You do a pretty good job discussing this article, though I would want you to clarify a number of the terms since you used them without too much explanation. What do you mean by "semiotic and discursive approaches?" Semiotics is a field of study focusing on the formation and use of symbols, and discursive meaning is what get conveyed in a story-line series of messages. We've mentioned a number of times how these memes can hold more or less force depending on the audience. It's true that individuals might understand many ideas from looking at a meme, but the rhetorical critic is most interested in what can be specifically derived from the elements of the message - not from the unpredictable perspective of the mass audience.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate the notion of the "participatory media culture" in your article. Internet discourse is much more globally interactive and immediate than any other mode yet invented. When a meme hits, it may travel and evolve way beyond any intended purpose. You are exactly right NOT to focus on any particular example of how your meme is used - but rather to choose a set and check for patterns within how the meme is deployed.
Thoughtful work here! Keep going!