Blog 3: January 25th

How do the readings explore what we see and hear in important moments? What do you see and hear that is important and valuable to me? How do you engage with challenging images that other present you with?

The readings for this week seem to focus on those images that we retain. Interestingly enough, despite the many images we see daily, we can only recall a precious few. For instance, Amy asked us to think of an image that challenges us to bring to class tomorrow and try as I might I cannot think of something to bring. Why is it so difficult to remember images I've seen, because I know I have seen things that challenge me. I guess the point is that we see so much that it becomes too difficult for us to try to retain everything and so we let most of it go. This weeks readings focused on those things that for one reason or another we don't let go. What seems to be a common thread to me is that those images focused on in the readings are exactly what I'm looking for, that is, they share the characteristic that they are challenging. They are not something that we can easily dismiss and so they stick with us. Whether that be seeing the trade towers collapse or watching a poor South American girl dying in the mud, these images challenge us and thus they stay with us. Perhaps then, some of the most important moments we have are those that are challenging.

Why are there so many who insist on sharing what they see, especially when it is challenging? I believe it is because visually challenging images are just like every challenging thing in life; they are what allow us to grow. Without conflict or obstacle we are stuck. So when we find something that challenges us it is meaningful for us to find a way to share that so that others can grow in knowledge and understanding. That is an attraction that media holds for me. Media is a way to share with others those things that have taken meaning for us, because they challenged us, and through which we are able to challenge others helping their understanding to grow. Those things that define me, that change me...those are the things I want to share with you.

To be honest, I feel that too often when presented with challenging media my response is fight or flight. I either become extremely defensive and hostile to the material or I try and get away. Perhaps I need to cool down a little bit and think about what is being shared and, perhaps even more importantly, why. Though there are situations where the fight or flight is necessary, I do not believe it should be done rashly for that destroys our ability to grow. Sometimes its just worth taking the challenge.