When deciphering social media trends, I realized that there are so many ways just to use visuals on Digital platforms. (left to right) From memes (an image taken out of context, to create humor), to gifs (a moving photo, usually taken from a longer video), to logos (a visual that creates a connection between a company, artist, etc and an image), the digital landscape of images is constantly changing, To some, these words may not be as apparent as they are to me because they have become a part of my discourse community. "A Discourse is a sort of "identity kit" which comes complete with appropriate costume, and instructions on how to act, talk and often write" (Gee 526). By gaining basic information about all of these terms, this information allows me to understand not only what these images are but also allows me to better used them and explain them to others. I have access to this terminology that others within my discourse may be familiar with so that we can communicate in this new digital language.
Image credits (Left to Right): memegenerator.net, pancake-flip.tumblr.com, storyjumper.com
Using these images correctly allows me to develop relationships with others in the digital world. "literacy practices are more usefully understood as existing in the relations between people, within groups and communities, rather that as a set of properties residing in individuals," (Barton and Hamilton 61). The way that memes or gifs are read by people in the digital community is something created by similar thought processes and not by the ideals set by specific individuals. What digital participants do when using these images is create a sense of solidarity between people in the knowing community. When I use a gif to describe what may seem as a situation outside of the reference in the image, people who know that digital community members use these images in that way would chuckle or at least understand the reasoning behind said gif.
Source: Barton, David and Mary Hamilton, Local literacies; Reading and Writing in One Community. Routledge, 1998.
Who helped me throughout this journey? Who lead me on the path to discovering my new Literacy?