Semiotic Method

Reading Summary:

The semiotic method states that signs have meanings and its important that signs differentiate from each other to convey different meanings. However, to determine the meaning of a sign you must first understand its denotation then its connotation. The denotation is the surface or face level meaning. Underneath that is the connotation, or the cultural-political meaning. To arrive at the connotative meaning, one must use abduction and over-determination. Abduction is a search for the most likely explanation of something. An over-determination says that there are multiple explanations or interpretations. 

Personal Example:

In the reading they talked a lot about gender roles especially in old sitcoms and ads. This made me think of old superhero movies, especially “Superman.” In Superman there is a male hero who is Superman and he fights other male bad guys. He is seen as indestructible and always does the right thing. He also has a wife, Lois Lane, who is depicted as this pretty reporter who always needs saving. There are multiple scenes where Lois is falling or needs Superman’s help. However, recently there has been a big spotlight on woman superheroes like Wonder woman and Captain Marvel. There are still depicted as beautiful and powerful like their male counterparts. 

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Reading Connection:

In the old Superman the denotation is that superman is powerful and saves lives. The connotation is much deeper. Some will argue that the old superhero movies reflect and push gender roles of that time. Meaning that men were seen as head of the household and woman were responsible for looking pretty. They show this by depicting the wife of Superman as helpless and in danger if superman is not there to save her. Since gender roles have smoothed and become more equal, the superhero universe has too. In movies like Wonder Woman the main hero is a strong woman. She does not need a man to save her. Thus, the denotation is more or less stays the same showing that superheroes are strong. However, the connation has changed with culture and shows that woman have equal powers as their male counterparts.