Semiotics and the Construction of Meaning' by Christine Geraghty - Essay Example

While the audience takes on an ‘active role’ (Geraghty, 2005, p.51) in creating meaning, the intended meaning (that which is defined by the photographer or journalist) is almost forced upon the audience using specific techniques. In this case, the picture is accompanied by written text and gives those responsible (the newspaper or journalist) the opportunity to lead the reader into the meaning that they want to communicate. As a result of this ‘guiding’ technique, there is no room for speculation by the audience.

In Geraghty’s discussion of the representation of gender, she focuses on soap operas and the representation of women. Her argument for success in these representations is based on three points: that the representation should be realistic, that there should be a direct link between those in the real world and those being represented, and that the group being represented should be able to recognize themselves within the text (Geraghty, 2005, p.52). Representations of women in easily identifiable roles (as mothers for example) and in positions where they are masters of both the domestic world and of emotional trials and tribulations add to the pleasurable viewing experience (Geraghty, 2005, p.54). Such representations, however, can introduce the awareness to female viewers of their limited roles, as being only those associated with the domestic and emotions (Geraghty, 2005, p.54). This, as Geraghty points out, makes women ‘resistant’ (2005, p.54) to the representations in these texts.

Finally, Geraghty addresses factual entertainment and representations. This discussion focuses on media texts that use fiction to construct a text around a factional core. These highly constructed texts provide drama and entertainment as well as advice (for example in Rescue 911) and often hidden agendas (for viewers of Crimewatch UK to call with information, for example) (Geraghty, 2005, p.55). The programs don’t hide the fact that they have been specifically constructed (Geraghty, 2005, p.55). Moreover, the viewers’ awareness that the texts are created doesn’t diminish enjoyment.

In fact, the search for reality and fact within a constructed text can be attractive for audiences and Geraghty suggests that it is the ‘emotional realism’ (2005, p57) in these constructed texts that means they are well received by audiences.Christine Geraghty makes clear points about representation and mass media, including how audiences themselves construct meaning in a text, how organizational bodies (newspapers for example) lead audiences to mean, how representations can create a pleasurable but often tainted viewing experience, and finally how texts which blend fact and fiction can still be entertaining for audiences.