On the second week of lecture, we learned the process of seeing things or images with our eyes and how we interpret the visual objects based on our existing knowledge The initial process as we studied involves seeing visual images individually without the influences of social or cultural codes (Woo, 2010). Psychologist James G. Gibson (1979) described it as the 'first-hand experience' where we become aware of something. The process is instantly proceeded with being made aware of something which he refers to as 'perception' (Gibson, 1979). It is a complex process but to simplify it, perception is the process of categorizing and interpreting sensory information.
Let me proceed directly to tutorial question three for this week, “Does culture and society affect perception?” My answer to the question is a resounding yes. We live in the process of socialization everyday and our experiences are molded by our cultural setting. It is undeniable that we perceive things based on our cultural and social standpoints. This is crucial in Visual Communication because we isolate the reality of that particular image and distort it with our cultural and social beliefs.
For the purpose of this argument, I shall use 'tattoo' as an illustration. Permanent tattoo is a form of body art made by injecting ink into the skin (Aalatimes , 2011). From the Bruneian Malay perspective, permanent tattoo is frowned upon by the society as it not only contradicts the Islamic religion but tattoo is also closely associated with violence and gangs. In contrast to that, the Iban ethnic groups in Brunei regard tattoo as a symbol of a warrior's status. This afternoon I stumbled across an interesting documentary in Discovery channel called “Les Stroud Beyond Survival: The Mentawai Shamans of Indonesia.” In the documentary, Les Stroud, a Canadian filmmaker took part in the rituals of the Indonesian Mentawai tribes and gone to the extent of getting his left upper arm tattooed by a Mentawai Shaman. Regardless of that, the documentary demonstrates the tribe's tattooing ritual and how tattoos represent spiritual significance and symbolize status in the society.
On the other hand in North America, tattoo majorly is a trendy fashion statement. Apart from fashion significance, tattoo plays an important part in today's Western culture and contributed to the active tattoo subculture (Atkinson, 2003). Popular MTV reality shows such as LA Ink, Miami Ink and Inked illustrates the the ever-growing world of tattoos. The striking presence of tattoo artist and celebrity 'Kat Von D' further help transformed perception of tattoos from 'trashy' to 'trendy'.
In actual fact, tattoos are simply works of art but using the body as a canvas and the permanent markings posed problems to the Malay Islamic culture. Because some cultures consider tattoo unacceptable, its members are at risk neglecting creative potentials of the body artworks and the symbolic meanings to different cultures, societies or individuals.
Ultimately, these illustrates that people have different perceptions of 'tattoos' due to different social and cultural backgrounds. Therefore the visual image of tattoo carries different meanings and interpretations, depending upon the nature of the society and environment we live in. Driven by cultural and social influences, our visual perception is undoubtedly impacted.
Ultimately, these illustrates that people have different perceptions of 'tattoos' due to different social and cultural backgrounds. Therefore the visual image of tattoo carries different meanings and interpretations, depending upon the nature of the society and environment we live in. Driven by cultural and social influences, our visual perception is undoubtedly impacted.
Just a thought, if perception is the distortion of reality, then what is reality?
Anyone fancy a tongue tattoo?
Iban ethnic group considers tattoos as symbols of bravery
Stunning tattoo artist, Kat Von D
"If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is - infinite" - William Blake.
References :
Aalatimes. (2011). Tattoos can expose people to hepatitis virus: Doctors. Retrieved from http://www.aalatimes.com/2011/07/28/tattoos-can-expose-people-to-hepatitis-virus-doctors/
Atkinson, M. (2003). Tattoed : the sociogenesis of a body art. Canada : University of Toronto Press.
Gibson, J. J. (1979). The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Woo, C. (2010). Analyzing visual communication. Brunei Darussalam : Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
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