In the world today there is so much to see. Everywhere we look images can be found. They make up a large part of our daily lives. With the exception of a few, all people see these images. However not all whom see these images look at the images.
Looking means to look for a meaning behind what you’re seeing. To not be satisfied with taking things at face value. Looking is an important skill that is practiced over time. The more it is practiced the more powerful this skill will become and the more aware it will make you. The amazing thing is this skill can be used on pretty much everything. There are fathomless amounts of images today. Each of these images can be looked at and interpreted many ways. Everyone who looks at an image will interpret it differently than the next person. Looking really shows us the individuality in the world, but it also plays a part in groups of people, not just individuals.
“Practices of looking are intimately tied to ideology.” Ideologies are systems of belief, often shared by different societies and groups. People, whether aware of it or not participate in social ideologies. These ideologies are what create the social ‘norm.’
Nowadays the ‘norm’ is shaped majorly by advertising. The people responsible for these ads have already looked at and interpreted the images they’re using and understand how the general public will react to these images. They have used their skill of looking to capture their societies attention as consumers.
It can also work the other way around. If you practice the skill of looking and thinking about what you’re looking at, you will be able to form your own opinions. So with practice you can be more prepared to not fall under the influence of someone else.
Practicing the art of looking may take time and some effort but it is a useful skill that can be used everyday to make yourself aware of what’s going on in the world around you.
