The Semiotic Method

Reading Summary

This excerpt focuses on the meaning of signs and the different tools and methods that influence our understandings and analyzation of those signs, otherwise known as semiotics. A critical piece to interpreting signs, defined as something that carries meaning, in ensuring we are examining them in their appropriate systems. These systems gives us reference through association and differentiation of different signs that we know in order to give us a true meaning of a sign in the context being examined. Signs can be examined through multiple lenses, such as a political one, the denotative interpretation, connotative interpretation, through abduction, or through overdetermination. Essentially, the key is to put signs in a system of a related phenomena where they can be easily associated and differentiated. However for those that study semiotics, it is important to remember that we are apart of our own cultural mythologies. These are outside value systems that shape our viewpoints, the way we view different facts, and our subsequent interpretations of signs. While these do not hinder ours or other’s interpretation of signs, it is important to remember these as influences on our determinations.

Outside Example

The first thing that came to mind for me was an old video that John Oliver did on the mascot of the small town in Japan called Susaki. The mascot, who goes by the name “Chiitan” is designed after the extinct river otter since the city of Susaki is a port city. To many, this mascot represents the culture of this small town through its important relation to the rivers and sea life. Chiitan also wears a hot pot ramen dish as its hat, an important and popular dish to the town’s residents. However to many around the city, continental Japan, and the world, Chiitan is known through his violent videos where he harasses citizens and engages in reckless and violent behavior. While these videos and the city’s association with Chiitan were controversial, many either loved or hated the mascot.

Reading Connection

Chiitan is a sign. Denotatively, he is the former mascot of Susaki presented as a playful otter. Connotatively, Chiitan represents many things. From an abduction perspective, most would view Chiitan as a violent harasser that brings harm to the city. However overdetermination leads us to believe that perhaps many enjoy the antics of the mascot, as the videos have thousands more likes than dislikes, or that the increase in tourism and revenue for the city outweighs some potential criticism. Both of these views are justified, but our cultural mythologies will lead us to believe one of these interpretations of the sign more than others. Likely, for younger interpreters and those with an enjoyment for violence, they will be attracted to Chiitan and the antics. Additionally, those whose primary concerns are the economic well-being of the city will be in support of Chiitan’s behavior because of the economic gains they bring. However if someone’s views are shaped on strong moral character and non-violence, then the antics of of Chiitan are not worth the headaches and would thus seek Chiitan to be suspended.