Session Two notes - Image of passion

Structuralism v essentialism
Semiotics over structuralism
 
Saussure:
The passive v constructive view of language.
Saussure proposed that our perception of reality is constructed by words and other signs around us.
 
Structuralist viewpoint – therefore language is ideological
 

• Communication through language is all about the exchange of minds.
• Community and understanding signs depend on our mutual cooperation or sharing of particular concepts.
• Cultural perspectives?

 
Words are symbolic signs.
Signs are arbitrary e.g. – dog over bears. No resemblance to actual physical appearance or attributes
The sign works because of its difference from other signs.
 
Signifier + signified = Sign
 
Signifier: physical representation (verbal or textural content)
Signified: mental concept (cognitive reading)
Language: whole language system
Sign: single word
Parole: partial example of speech or writing
Syntagm: a complete ordered sequence of signs e.g. a sentence
Paradigm: point of substitution in a sentence which allows for an exchange of a similar sign or metaphorical sign without changing structure.
 
Myth refers to sites in mainstream culture which;

• Reflect dominant ways of thinking about people (cultural norms)
• Are structured to send messages or propagate ‘cultural stereotypes’
• May be ideological (politically or socially motivated)

 
World of wrestling:
Role of wrestler?
Each have names that define what kind of fighter they are. As well as different costumes to signify their specific role in a fight and so the audience can tell who’s who during said fight.
Commentator?
Explains who the fighters are and the rules to any new audience members. Also, they can hype up the fighters and the audience before the fight for a better experience.
Referee?
Breaks up the fight for suspense or if there are any rule breaks. Makes sure no one gets seriously injured
Crowd response?
They either cheer or boo to show what kind of situation the wrestlers are in (good or bad)
Is it a sport?
It’s common to mix wrestling with boxing, which, in my opinion, is more of a sport than wrestling.