Image: http://www.pps.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/welcome-placemakers.png
Creating Place and
Self Narrative
Narrative does not only refer to written texts, but
encompasses a wide range of mediums that include pictures and iconography. In our visually-orientated print and popular
culture, pictures and iconography are becoming increasingly important. This gives
rise to social media sites, such as Instagram, that place emphasis on images.
Instagram uses images to distinguish feelings of space and
place. Individual users create places within the realm of Instagram. Users do
this by projecting a particular version of themselves into the space of
Instagram. These projections influence the way that other users appreciate the
creation of places. Describing a ‘place’ on Instagram may be in reference to an
individual’s account or in reference or an individual’s homepage (or news
feed). By following particular types of users, an individual has the ability to
create their own sense of place on their homepage. For example, a user might
only follow fitness pages, or they might only follow home décor users.
Geographers, and society, believe that speech and the right
to speak is empowerment (Tuan, 1991). Instagram gives individuals the right to
speak and express themselves through the use of images and written text. In this
sense, Instagram as a form of narrative empowers users. An interesting blog by James Balm discusses the power of pictures in a range of
contexts.
Even fictional narratives can reflect ways the author sees,
visualises and experiences the real world (Kuttainen, 2015). Instagram accounts
can be described as the user’s personal narrative; an individual’s account
allows viewers an insight into their ontology and the way they perceive the
world.
Instagram gives users freedom and power; users can explore
the world around them and associate images with their personal narrative. Users are emancipated through the ability to write
their own story.
References:
Tuan, Y. (1991). Language and the making of place: a
narrative-descriptive approach. Annals of
the Association of American Geographers, 81(4), 684-696. Retrieved from www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
Kuttainen, V. (2015). BA1002: Our space: networks,
narratives and the making of place, week 5 notes [PowerPoint slides].
Retrieved from learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
Image Credits:
Cremean, Sam (Artist). (2014). Making it happen [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.pps.org/blog/placemaking-news-roundup-barcelona-on-the-brain/
You say Instagram gives users freedom and power I disagree with this statement. Instagram may give users the power to express themselves with images and even provide users with a range of filters and editing options, but this power is very controlled. This control is not only seen regarding what you post (high censorship regarding nudity) but also with how you post it. A good example of this control is videos on Instagram needing to be between 3 to 15 seconds long.
ReplyDeleteAllen talks about a public place where you are made to feel that your every movement is under observation (Allen, 2003, p.1). When it comes to Instagram it’s not just other users judging you but also the Instagram moderators and admins. Due to Instagram’s strict censorship a trend (free the nipple) has formed and many users are finding ways to get around the censorship.
References:
Allen, J. (2003). Lost geographies of power. Melbourne, Australia: Blackwell publishers.
I agree with both the original post as well as Tia's points to a degree. There is a great deal of freedom that can be expressed within the limits of what Instagram allows, though I disagree with much of social media's views on human nudity, it is easy enough to avoid in almost all circumstances.
ReplyDeleteKuttainen writes that things like magazines and other pictorials have sought about a rise in amatuer photographers. Those people need a place to express themselves, and Instagram has certainly facilitated that void. The thing I enjoy about Instagram is that with the hashtags, you can click on someone's hashtag and see many other photos with that same hashtag, and go on that journey with that person as well. It's all very global and interconnected, but all from the comfort of your mobile phone.
Kuttainen, V. (2013). Telling Stories. Melbourne, Australia: Monash University Publishing.