Points of Praxis

My Blog Reflects on Visual Rhetorical Theory and Disability Rhetoric and their Connections to Classical and Contemporary Rhetorical Theory

Looking around the Electronic Literature Organization's directory, I came across a self-published piece of hyperactive nonfiction on Jeff Gates' blog Life Outtacontext.  The work, "We're Old Enough to Know Better," presents a counter on the center of the page that presumably counts the number of soldiers killed in Iraq.  As the counter continues to run in bold red lettering, faces of soldiers fade in and out on the screen.  And, in the background, the song, "Old Enough to Know Better," seems reminiscent of folk-protest songs of the 60's and 70's.  I'm not sure who the group performing the song is, but it reminded me of the melodic, stripped down sound of the Beatles (ala "Imagine") and the heartfelt rebellion of Joan Biez. 

What I really liked about this work was the spirit in which it was created and published and the way in which he uses new media to make a political statement.  The images were haunting and simple, and the piece required little interaction from the viewer.  And, it didn't immerse viewers in the work like John Kusch's "Red Lily" does.  But, the piece seems reminiscent of protest poetry like Wilfred Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth" and protest songs like CCR's "Fortunate Son."  The piece seems to reflect these technologically changing times--when anyone with a computer, an internet connection, and an understanding of computer programming can voice their decent.  Of course, I'm not the first to discuss the ways in which blogs have become the "new news"--my colleague, Janet Johnson, wrote her Master's thesis on the blog as a journalistic medium.  But, what I find interesting is the exigency, to borrow Lloyd Bitzer's term, in which the piece was created--the rhetorical situation in which it was produced and distributed, via the internet.   Someone felt so frustrated by the war to spend the time to create such a piece, and, just as importantly, the forum existed to present it.   

Also as interesting, to me, at least, are the questions that Gates raises on his blog regarding the influence of new media on politics, like the war in Iraq.  Specifically, Gates writes on April 6, 2003:  "Now that I am a parent (and with twelve years of “new” media education behind me), I’m even more concerned about the effects of the media’s war coverage on my children. I wonder about the diary of information we are keeping for them. How will history be reflected and interpreted by the images we are making from this event? And what will their involvement be like in future pan-cultural ritual processes?"

Gates' questions are important--what type of worldview does new media present, especially as it relates to political discourse?  What will be remembered and what will be discarded?  Since there is so much information available, what will be considered relevant and worthy of study in the future?  I have to believe that we're going to go into information overload at some point.  Too many voices at once.  But, these different perspectives might've often silenced because they weren't "typical," "representational," or presented "grammatically correct" (read:  sarcasm).  And, while political dissent is common in American history, I think the means by which such dissent are presented is just as interesting.  Like I noted, CCR used, literally, their voices to dissent, Owen's used the pen and paper, and Gates uses electronic current.  Gates combines elements of the visual, and auditory--blending various media for a different effect. 

One effect, I believe, is that Gates is able to reach a different audience than CCR or Owens could.  Specifically, Gates is listed on the ELO directory, thereby increasing his readership among scholars in visual and new media.  Also, according to Gates' website, he serves as the Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Art and Technology, where he runs another site We, the Blog.  Still, Gates' audience would be entirely different if he were not publishing his work electronically.  Would Gates have an audience at all?  While there is no verifiable answer to this question, it is interesting to note that I'm sure Gates' work would be presented differently if he had to pay to broadcast it on television.  It would also have changed dramatically if he had to publish it via pamphlets or brochures.  The effects of the faces fading in and out (like the unfortunate lives of the soldiers) might've been lost completely if presented as a pamphlet.  Also, the musical accompaniment would've been lost.  Thus, another element of the visual argument.  The fact that this piece is published electronically completely changes the audience, medium, and exigency of its publication.

Gates, Jeff.  "We're Old Enough to Know Better."  Life Outtacontexts.  23 October 2005.  http://outtacontext.com/life/archive/000315.shtml

posted by: rgregory at 01:01 | link | comments (2) |

Comments:

#1  25 October 2005 - 19:44

 

Mr. Gates was kind enough to respond to my blog, I've posted his response here:

Rochelle, I read your piece. Very astute! Thanks for your interest.

BTW, the music is from The Beatles.

Thanks for your insightful writing. You were spot on when you talked about
audience.

Best, Jeff

rgregory

#2  27 October 2005 - 20:45

 

Always great to be "spot on." :)
Interesting piece, Rochelle. Wish I had more to say, but looks like you have it covered! Best, Cheri

Anonymous

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