‘Introduction to textual analysis’ is an article concerning itself with how the tools learnt in media studies can lead us to gain a better understanding of the world. It points out that there are many ways to see one entity and emphasizes that there is more to interpretation than simply ‘seeing’ (R. L. Gregory page 1, ‘Introduction to textual analysis) It encourages the reader to see that one must delve beyond the surface to gain a worthwhile perspective and there are many ways in which to do so.
As Lacey points out ‘Different societies have a different understanding of the world because they learn about it in different ways’ (ibid. Page 7) I personally experienced this when going on a school trip to China for 5 weeks and living in such an unusual and diverse place in my eyes due to my modelling by the Western society and 'norms'.
A large majority of people riding on bicycles opposed to cars was one thing that stood out to me as well as the dirty and bleak exteriors of many buildings with an alternatively spotless and meticulously kept interior. Compared to Western society the Chinese don’t see as much value in keeping the outside of their houses clean and the point of importance to them is a well kept and clean interior with an emphasis on removing shoes once inside and wearing 'inside shoes' which are not worn outside the home.
From the eyes of someone simply gazing upon such traditions it would be easy to feel puzzled and slightly perplexed, it’s only when one goes beyond this initial sense of just looking they can benefit and gain further insight.
A large majority of people riding on bicycles opposed to cars was one thing that stood out to me as well as the dirty and bleak exteriors of many buildings with an alternatively spotless and meticulously kept interior. Compared to Western society the Chinese don’t see as much value in keeping the outside of their houses clean and the point of importance to them is a well kept and clean interior with an emphasis on removing shoes once inside and wearing 'inside shoes' which are not worn outside the home.
From the eyes of someone simply gazing upon such traditions it would be easy to feel puzzled and slightly perplexed, it’s only when one goes beyond this initial sense of just looking they can benefit and gain further insight.
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