Blog Post #3

We have spent an extensive amount of time in class discussing the work of Harold Innis, specifically the bias of communication. He divides media into separate concepts of time-binding and space-binding media; time-binding media is more durable and includes clay/stone tablets, printed manuscripts, and verbal sources. Space-binding media is more ephemeral and includes modern media, such as television, radio and mass-produced newspapers. While applying Innis’ concepts to the CBC video ‘Why The Battle of Vimy Ridge Matters,” I would argue that this video is an example of both space and time-bias media. Since the video was produced by CBC, it has the ability to reach a wide mass audience, making this media space biased; television is also a space bias medium. However, I believe it can also be interpreted as time biased because of the developments in technology. Time bias media lasts for multiple generations; the internet and social media allow us access to any information whenever we want. Anybody can explore historical events online, which makes the CBC video a time bias medium as well. While applying these concepts to the Canadian National Vimy Ridge Monument, I believe that it reflects both time and space bias aswell. The monument can be seen as space biased because it is located in France at the sight of the battle. However, it receives praise in Canada (after being reported by the media overseas). I would also consider the monument to be time-biased since it is essentially a stone tablet and something sacred that has been able to withstand time and history. 


Discussion question:

Does technology have a strong impact on deciphering whether or not these artifacts are space or time biased? Why or why not?


Comments

  1. Megan YamamotoOctober 28, 2022 at 11:50 AM

    I think technology does have a strong impact on deciphering whether or not these artifacts are space or time-biased because space-biased media is defined as more modern day forms of media like television, radio, or any mass circulated media. Therefore if an artifact is using modern technology I would identify it as space-biased technology. However, I do believe that we can use modern technology to observe time-biased artifacts such as the virtual tour of Vimy Ridge. Great post!

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