Elon Smith-Miller 4/3

            McCloud’s comic was exceptionally interesting in the sense that it presented ideas one does not take into consideration when examining everyday objects. When looking at a picture of a cow, we state that it IS in fact a cow; however, as McCloud pointed out it is quite the opposite. These things, such as images that are not actually a cow, are known as icons; an icon is any image that is used to represent a person, place, thing or idea. Too often we generalize things; for example, we call certain things symbols when in reality they are images we use to represent concepts, ideas, and philosophies. These “things” are a category of icon; others may include those such as language, science and communication (icons of the practical realm), or icons we call pictures that are designed to resemble their subjects. The main idea McCloud focused on was examining cartooning as a form of amplification through simplification; in other words, why we can take a detailed picture and strip it down to its raw form and still see it as the same thing it was before. The reason is, cartoons are meant to focus our attention on an idea, and additionally are a universal concept. Nearly anybody could examine two dots with a line below, and a single circle around it and come to the conclusion that it is meant to resemble a face; this is because your mind will not let you see anything else. Overall, this comic focused on the psychology behind human attribution to certain concepts.  

            Jhally’s article on “Image Based Culture” was different from most of the other readings from this week. This article focused, primarily, on how images are used in today’s society (this is somewhat similar to McCloud’s comic). Jhally’s first goal is to address how our culture has been defined over time and what sorts of things shaped it. Nearly everybody knows a diamond is “forever;” in other words, it represents the link between roses and romantic love. This is an example of a scenario where an image is used to represent an idea. The image does not just serve as a link, rather it is also used to draw on people’s emotions. Overall, this is a smart way to advertise. If someone has an image to look at they are more likely to purchase the product than if they are simply given a verbal description. One thing I found interesting was his description of advertising as being a part of “discourse through and about objects.” This description is due to the fact we are not tell us specifically about things, but rather how these objects are important domains of our lives; due to the importance we will do everything in our power to obtain them.