The Medium is Massage

For my project I chose to update pg. 63, which centers on human communication in the days of electronic communication. The image I chose is of a project that attempts to bi-dimensionally map links between websites on the internet. The largest aqua-colored bubbles are based around social media and search engines, making up the largest portion of internet traffic. I feel that McLuhan's quote can adequately represent our modern Internet era.

For those of you interested in checking out the project, here is a link:
http://internet-map.net

Architecture

My first attempt with Sketchup turned out a little wonky, attempting to capture postmodern style.

For my second attempt, I looked at the idea of Palladianism. The Greek and Roman temple influence is clear in the use of columns and steps. I chose to incorporate some of the Postmodern ideas here as well, adapting the triangular top of the pillars to give a more unique dimension to the design. This also illustrates the concept of deconstruction, altering the precepts of the Palladianism design. In addition I added some protruding black ornaments to the building, representing the concept of cladding. Lastly by adding an array of colors, the building illustrates polychrony.

Depictions of Women

Photo: UCLA Sorority Girls

This year at UCLA I decided to pledge a fraternity. The wide array of traditions this process entails has been of interest to me. But more so, differences in pledging between fraternities and sororities illustrates some of Berger's points about the feminine presence.

According to Berger, a "man's presence is dependent upon the promise of power which he embodies" (45). Some fraternities emphasize this with an 'Alpha-dog' mindset, accepting members who exhibit traits of über masculinity, compounded with expectations of physical fitness.

Women on the other hand, "must continually watch [themselves]. [They are] almost continually accompanied by [their] own image of [themself] (46)". Speaking with female pledges on my dorm floor,  they expressed their frustration with the rush process. Evaluated on their physical beauty and academics, small minute details and mistakes could expel their chances of a bid. Certain 'prestigious' sororities are renowned for attractiveness, girls swooning for the chance to be considered the "cream of the crop". Berger describes this idea of women being defined by how they "appear" as both "surveyor and surveyed"(46).  The rush process seemingly emphasizes this role, as the surveying runs rampant and superficiality can flourish.