The last time I discussed Postmodernism or even heard the term was in Art History II. The only thing it meant to me at the time was simply a time period... and of course I could relate which art and architecture was relevant to the time period.
So, "The medium is the message." The quote was coined by postmodernist Marshal McLuhan meaning that you should focus on how the end result comes about and not the content it displays. Its a great theory and all, but I think its bologna. Yes the medium is always a great factor in whether your painting is oil or acrylic. Or whether your website is flash vs. html. Or a comic book vs. a movie. Sure, I get it, but I would not take it to the grave. Or maybe McLuhan was a bit too deep for me with his light bulb "creating an environment by its mere presence." Its not creating anything. The environment is still there. It did not go on vacation. The article further explains "...the newscast engenders by the fact that such crimes are in effect being brought into the home to watch over dinner." Well my dear, why are we watching tv while eating dinner anyway? We all know this leads to eating more than we are suppose to and less human interaction with the people surrounding us. Stop looking and listening to the box and focus more on how your family or friends day was and what is on your plate.
Maybe I am missing the point, but I disagree with his philosophy. I think you should put thought into how the message is portrayed, it makes a bigger impact on the effect of the message, but sometimes less is more and a comic can do the trick if you know how to illustrate the ideas properly. I read Tracy's response and I think this ties to it perfectly. Everyone would have understood the comic better if the artist had thought out his message a bit clearer.
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