Viewers Make Meanings

In chapter two, it discusses how Images generate meanings through the complex negotiations that make up the social process and practices through which we produce and interpret images. (Pg.49) It talks about how we create these images, like art, photographs, and media text, not as so much for the audience, but more for the viewer. In focusing on the viewer, we are emphasizing the practices through which images and media texts reach out and touch audience members in ways that engender experiences. (Pg.51) Producers are usually the ones to make up that meaning that is intended for the viewer, but as we all know, sometimes they may not always get the right meaning across that was intended. That's where critics come in. It's very interesting though, because we see all kinds of images everyday, every where we look. But do we really analyze these images to get their full meanings out of them? Just take a minute out of your day next time you may be in the mall, or walking in the park, and look at some images and think about what meaning the producers were trying to portray through that image. You may learn something new..