First and foremost it is important in understanding the meaning of Visual Communication, according to Lester it is defined as the "function of the eyes and brain that makes sense of all the sensory information." (pg.2, Lester, 1995) Other than the biological abilities that allows individuals to "see" images and objects, however it is culture, ideology, and society that shapes their perception of the world.
"Does culture and society affect perception? Why?"
The definition of perception according to Barry (2002) it is the process which we utilize external sensory information in combination with other internal conscious and unconscious workings of the brain to make sense of the world. In other words, individuals use perception to understand the meaning of visual communication.
Yes, culture and society does play a major role in perception. As mentioned earlier, perception is viewed in two ways: the external sensory and the conscious and unconscious working of the mind. According to Flanagan (1984) the mind will consciously try to understand and respond to the environment and experience, here is where extrospection and introspection occurs. The process of extrospection is the process in which the individual understand the external, material world. As for introspection, it is the process of understanding the material world through one's psychology and mental actions such as feelings, reflecting and imagining.
The unconsciousness of perception may vary on a society's race, gender, age, customs, beliefs, and past experiences from generations and generations before us. this Different societies develops its unique ideology on they will perceive, time and space will change these values and comes the diversity of perception in society. Socialization is one of the agents that unconsciously develops society's perception, where from families to institutions teaches the different rationale of the visual communication.
An example of how different cultures and societies perceive is the image of beauty. Women are naturally conforming to the norms and values to achieve the physical beauty in order to be accepted in society. As Naomi Wolf (1991) states that women are constantly changing their looks because of what is shown in the media. Take Unites States for example: the perception of being platinum blonde, fit physique, flawless make-up is considered as beautiful and empowering.
However, in a more traditional perception of beauty is the women of the Kayan tribe in Thailand (Burma). At a young age, the girls wear brass coils around the neck, as they age more brass coils are placed around their necks and the longer the neck the more beautiful she is. Here is an exact example of how culture and society shapes their perception. Although not every society may think this is what beauty is defined as but it is the Kayan tribe's belief, tradition and custom that to this day they still perform such a unique beauty ritual.
In conclusion, perception is shaped by culture and society. It is from the past experience, customs, belief systems, and personal encounters that encourages how individuals view images in society. According to Barry (1997) most perceptual theorists believe that perception is largely confined by the individual consciousness, emotions, and memories and therefore, an individuals' perception is unique according to their society's norms and values and cultures.
Yes, culture and society does play a major role in perception. As mentioned earlier, perception is viewed in two ways: the external sensory and the conscious and unconscious working of the mind. According to Flanagan (1984) the mind will consciously try to understand and respond to the environment and experience, here is where extrospection and introspection occurs. The process of extrospection is the process in which the individual understand the external, material world. As for introspection, it is the process of understanding the material world through one's psychology and mental actions such as feelings, reflecting and imagining.
The unconsciousness of perception may vary on a society's race, gender, age, customs, beliefs, and past experiences from generations and generations before us. this Different societies develops its unique ideology on they will perceive, time and space will change these values and comes the diversity of perception in society. Socialization is one of the agents that unconsciously develops society's perception, where from families to institutions teaches the different rationale of the visual communication.
An example of how different cultures and societies perceive is the image of beauty. Women are naturally conforming to the norms and values to achieve the physical beauty in order to be accepted in society. As Naomi Wolf (1991) states that women are constantly changing their looks because of what is shown in the media. Take Unites States for example: the perception of being platinum blonde, fit physique, flawless make-up is considered as beautiful and empowering.
However, in a more traditional perception of beauty is the women of the Kayan tribe in Thailand (Burma). At a young age, the girls wear brass coils around the neck, as they age more brass coils are placed around their necks and the longer the neck the more beautiful she is. Here is an exact example of how culture and society shapes their perception. Although not every society may think this is what beauty is defined as but it is the Kayan tribe's belief, tradition and custom that to this day they still perform such a unique beauty ritual.
In conclusion, perception is shaped by culture and society. It is from the past experience, customs, belief systems, and personal encounters that encourages how individuals view images in society. According to Barry (1997) most perceptual theorists believe that perception is largely confined by the individual consciousness, emotions, and memories and therefore, an individuals' perception is unique according to their society's norms and values and cultures.
References List:
Barry, A. M. S. (1997) Visual Intelligence: Perception, Image, and Manipulation in Visual Communication. State University of New York Press, Albany.
Barry, A. M. S. (2002) Journal of Visual Literacy: Perception and Visual Communication Theory.
Massachusetts, USA.
Flanagan, Jr., Owen J. (1984) The Science of the Mind. Cambridge, MA: MIT P.
Barry, A. M. S. (1997) Visual Intelligence: Perception, Image, and Manipulation in Visual Communication. State University of New York Press, Albany.
Barry, A. M. S. (2002) Journal of Visual Literacy: Perception and Visual Communication Theory.
Massachusetts, USA.
Flanagan, Jr., Owen J. (1984) The Science of the Mind. Cambridge, MA: MIT P.
Lester, P. M. (1995) Visual Communication: Images with Messages.
Wolf, N. (1991) The Myth of Beauty: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women. London. William Marrow and Company.
Wolf, N. (1991) The Myth of Beauty: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women. London. William Marrow and Company.
No comments:
Post a Comment