Analyzing Generators
After assessing the different stylistic patterns of the genre generators, it’s clear that different genres possess different conventions both with style and content. In addition, some genres have conventions that are very explicit, and others have conventions that are much harder to Identify. Analysing these conventions are essential in order to derive the fullest amount of understanding from genres; this plays a key role in understanding a piece’s rhetoric.
The meme generator possessed conventions that were as basic as the structure and and as complex as the content of the piece. Every meme started with a statement at the top of the picture in larger letters, and was followed by a resolution or an additional comment in smaller letters that commented on the initial statement. With respect to content, almost every meme used satire that related to the character or person’s facial expression. Many of the photos were comical, taken off-guard and random which evidently made the comments sarcastic, dumb, or profound.
In contrast to the meme generator, the content of the computer science reports was rather dry and boring. However, there were conventions that related to the structure and layout of these reports. Each report started with an initial topic that fulfilled the “so what” question. The initial statement posed a problem that the report would attempt to explain and resolve. Furthermore, the experiment included at least one diagram to clarify what the report was explaining, and then was followed by graphs that explained the results. The reports all included resources at the bottom too that seemed to be randomly generated.
Lastly, the comic strip generator possessed conventions that were opposite to those of the computer science report generator. It lacked structural patterns, but had consistent traits with interactions between characters. The green-shirted character was extremely violent and negative in his actions and words, and used profound language consistently. Simon consistently made sounds and did very random stuff that would leave the viewer dumbfounded or confused. Identifying these conventions associated with individual characters helps identify their personality. In addition, the two character’s interactions weren’t exactly in sync. There were extensive cases where “green shirt” would ask simon a question and the next frame, where one would expect a response, didn’t relate to the question asked in the first place. From this, it is obvious that the order of the slides was random, except for the initial slide included some form of text.
Thinking about what is going on in these random generator websites and identifying patterns directly relates to understanding a genre. Each individual program behind these generators signifies a pattern, or a convention, which is then produced in each of the randomly generated pieces. Each genre is constructed with patterns and conventions that, well, make it a genre. Therefore, the conventions of a genre and the conventions of a randomly generated program parallel each other. It is imperative to identify these conventions because it plays a key role in understanding the rhetoric behind a piece. Finding structural patterns within a piece can help improve its clarity and help someone understand its rhetoric faster and more efficiently. Aside from deriving efficiency and clarity, identifying conventions can help one view a piece more empathetically in a way that prevents cynicism from taking control. With the ability to understand the underlying truth or discover personality traits, intentions, or hidden messages, while discarding a provincial outlook, it’s possible to gain a deeper and more thorough understanding of a genre and what it intends to portray. There are so many different ways to approach a genre and form an opinion on it, so looking at it with an open mind and searching for explanatory traits is essential.
James Burns,
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice to know that our Writing 2 course is giving you good vibes so far. I’m with you on the “Im not really the kind of person that likes to be restricted by guidelines or strict rules” front.
Re: Thlog #1, I’d like to note two things: (1) dig a little deeper and write a little bit more about what’s happening in terms of what you’re learning/thinking/etc and (2) feel free to NOT make these super school-y. You can use your own “voice” on these. ☺
Re: PB1A, fast food ads are deffffffinitely a unique genre. Playfulness, light-hearted tunes, a mascot/cartoon. teamwork, deals, $ signs, ethos—damn, Burns! Yep, there are all patterns that exist within and across fast food ads.
Re: PB1B, nice job on pointing out the resolution in the second/bottom line. There’s also a sarcastic tone to many of them. I’ve written this on some other folks’ blogs, and I’d like to include it here too: with memes, the white capitalized font is outlined in black. Why would that be? Well, this way, the language can be displayed on any kind of background without getting drowned out. Also consider: what’s the purpose of creating/viewing a meme, and who is its likely audience? What’s the content of pictures that are typically used? (Usually pop culture references, although some grainy “homemade” pictures are typically used too.) These are the sorts of angles and questions that I want us to develop an eye for.
Keep up the great work, and the kickass in-class participation. It’s much appreciated.
PS: You’ll get more comments on your blog posts if you post them earlier on (i.e., not the morning of class). That isn’t a mandatory requirement; I just wanted to point it out.
Z