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September 28, 2005
Devil's Advocate
"Hence the material world only has meaning and only can be seen by us, through these systems of representation.” I believe that the social construction theory is more valid than mimesis. While the social construction theory addresses language and images, mimesis is merely an imitation of what is already real. I believe that social construction gives the foundation for mimesis.
Social construction believes that the language and images construct the material world for us. Since various languages and images surround our everyday lives, we are able to imitate the world around us. Social construction is more or less the idea that each person creates their own worldly reality. This is the basis for everything else. It is only after we can make sense of our own world that we can choose whether or not we want to be affected by mainstream society. Not everyone in society conforms to the norms of society, it is merely a choice. Furthermore, chapter 1 in Practices of Looking talked about how individuals view artwork, advertisements and the general world in diffrent ways. Interpretations will always vary due to race, class, gender, and reality. It is people's experiences that contribute to understanding the world.
I tried really hard not to contradict myself. Believe me.
Posted by lcissearls at September 28, 2005 04:43 PM
Comments
I believe that social construction gives the foundation for mimesis.
This is such an interesting idea, Lauren....I really need to give it some serious thought...I think you may be right!
I also don't think you contradicted yourself at all..
Posted by: Ellen Grabiner at September 29, 2005 08:52 PM