Blog #3
Looking at Innis's bias of communication, he distinguishes time bias and space bias. Time bias can be seen as transportable and long-lasting media such as clay and stone or oral communication. At the same time, space bias is more ephemeral and includes modern media like radio and television. Both are interrelated and affect the form of communication on content. Applying these theories to the two media artifacts, I would argue that they are both time and space biases. I understand that Innis believes it can only be one or the other. However, with the advancements in technology and modern-day society, I would argue they are both. For example, both platforms have the ability to reach mass audiences with their platform. CBC has 1.83 million subscribers (plus other non-subscribers can watch the video), and the government of Canada website is an official government website available to anyone. Therefore, the spread of information can be looked at as an expansion. Media allows for many different networks and dissemination and can be very short-lived due to constant advancements. That being said, these artifacts can be considered space bias. However, I argue it can also be time bias because, growing up, it has been instilled in our brains to be careful what we post on the internet. We are told that once something is posted on the internet, it is there forever and will never disappear. In addition, looking at google street view on the government website- illustrates a mixture of both biases. Having this feature demonstrates the new technological features that allow anyone to see and experience Vimy ridge virtually. Although it happened in 1917, we are able to talk about it and get a sense of it through the tour. Therefore, these two artifacts can be considered time and space biases.
What did you guys think of the virtual tour? If you had the chance, would you go and see Vimy Ridge in France?
Great post. I really enjoyed browsing the websites virtual tour. It provided so much insight into the small details put into the war memorial. The figures placed on the memorial each have their own significance such as representing sacrifice. There was also one figure in the virtual tour that is facing east representing looking forward to a 'new day' and how the figures gaze is cast downward to signify the mourning for fallen soldiers. It is subtle meaningful attributes like these that add to the Vimy Ridge memorial even more. Visiting France and the Vimy Ridge memorial and battleground is not something I have thought about doing before and I cannot say it is at the top of my bucket list. I recognize just how great of a sacrifice was made during this battle and its importance for Canada as a whole and I will definitely make it a goal to visit this site if I ever visit France. Not only is there so much meaning, but the site of the memorial looks amazing as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria!
ReplyDeleteI had a very similar view to your post, my understanding of both the media sources are also a mixture of both time and space-biased media. By including the amount of viewers on both sites it really emphasizes the space-biased media belief, because we also need to remember that there are hundreds of other websites or social media platforms that focus on the Vimy Ridge. Just like you said even though this was 105 years ago, it is still significant in today's culture because it is prevalent and remains a vital part of Canada's history. I have never visited the Vimy Ridge monument or have ever been to France, so I thought the virtual tour on the website really captures everything for someone seeing it for the first time. Just like Justin I have also never thought about the Vimy Ridge in France when I think about traveling, however I would also love to visit and really see it in real life and not just in virtual tours or videos.