Framing

"Language always comes with what is called "framing." Every word is defined relative to a conceptual framework. If you have something like "revolt," that implies a population that is being ruled unfairly, or assumes it is being ruled unfairly, and that they are throwing off their rulers, which would be considered a good thing. That's a frame."

-George Lakoff

Through people such as George Lakoff, it has become obvious that concepts such as "framing" are extremely important and relevant concepts as the world continues to grow and shift.  Through Lakoff's definition of "linguistic framing" he reminds humanity of how language can be used to shape and sculpt public opinion.  Many people are vulnerable and unaware about how they are being influenced by language.  Commercials are a perfect example.  While watching television, millions of people's minds are manipulated to the views of commercial products.  The world is becoming dependent on commercials to create their views instead of mastering the capabilities of technology and creating their own views.  Bruce Mazlish, the author of The Fourth Discontinuity, directly speaks about humans relationship with technology.  If we could truly get our minds around how inseparable we are from our tools and toolmaking practices, it becomes much easier to understand why people are so interested in, worried about (at times), seemingly dependent on, computers and related media. Mazlish helps frame his concepts by suggesting that to connect with the world, humans must be separate from the machines we build.  This connection in the 20th century has turned us all into "cyborgs."  Cyborgs is a concept invented by Donna Haraway, a cultural theorist and commentator with a background in History of Science and Biology.  She describes cyborgs as hybrid of machine and organism.  Cyborgs are dependent on machine.  I think Haraway brings up many good ideas.  In today's world it is incredible how dependent we are on cell phones and computers in particular.  Our cell phones have become our computers, creating instant access to other people and an endless supply of virtual information.  Though the internet and cell phones provide instant access to other people, it is not face-to-face interaction.  Texting and e-mailing have provided a way to communicate with people without actually having to hear the sound of someone's voice or see a facial reaction and expression.  It is through promotion of this type of communication that has made it so poplar.  It is without linguistic framing, without using our words, that has become such a popular means of interaction.  

I can proudly say I have lived in my lifetime without a cell phone or Internet access for five weeks.  During my six-week intensive at Interlochen Arts Academy I was forced to remove myself from the technological world.  Interlochen Arts Academy is the world’s first art boarding institute for high school students.  During the summer, the Academy welcomes young artists from around the world to learn and create art alongside leading artists and instructors.  At the beginning of the summer, the school strongly enforces a cell-phone and Internet free lifestyle.  Interlochen strongly prides themselves on the philosophy that, “Interlochen Arts Camp is a busy and intense program of a quality that is best experienced without the distraction of cell phones; we strongly recommend leaving them at home if they are not needed while traveling” (Interlochen Arts Academy Website: Frequently Asked Questions).  When I first arrived at Interlochen, I did not take the request seriously that I would go through an intensive drama program without my cell phone.  Unfortunately my cell phone was confiscated on the sixth day of camp.  Not only does my cell phone provide me with texting abilities, but more importantly, Internet capabilities. Facebook was just a click away on phone.  Infuriated, I was hesitant to continue the program not realizing what a secret blessing it was for my phone to be taken away from me.  Without the constant burden of my cell phone and Facebook, I learned to stay present at camp.  I focused on truly becoming a better actor.  It was that summer that I made the decision to study acting in college.   

Though it is important to learn how to exist without the constant involvement of technology, technology is also a primary tool used to extend important ideas.  Marshall McLuhan's ideas directly relate to the power art can have on the world.  The medium an artist uses helps create a message.  Whether using paint, song, or film to create a message, the involvement of technology should enhance and extend the capabilities of human beings.  Technology should help inform and involve and audience to understand create innovations.  

(In a quick relation to the Dega people, it is incredible how images and music on a youtube video help inform and catch my interest in the culture and lifestyle of the Montagnard people. )