Taking as its point of departure Roland Barthes classic series of essays; Mythologies; Rebecca Houze presents an exploration of signs and symbols in the visual landscape of postmodernity. In nine chapters Houze considers a range of contemporary phenomena; from the history of sustainability to the meaning of sports and childrens building toys. Among the ubiquitous global trademarks she examines are BP; McDonalds; and Nike. What do these icons say to us today? What political and ideological messages are hidden beneath their surfaces? Taking the idea of myth in its broadest sense; the individual case studies employ a variety of analytic methods derived from linguistics; psychoanalysis; anthropology; sociology; and art history. In their eclecticism of approach they demonstrate the interdisciplinarity of design history and design studies. Just as Barthes meditations on culture concentrated on his native France; New Mythologies is rooted in the authors experience of living and teaching in the United States. Houzes reflections encompass both contemporary American popular culture and the history of American industry; with reference to such foundational figures as Thomas Jefferson and Walt Disney. The collection provides a point of entry into todays complex postmodern or post-postmodern world; and suggests some ways of thinking about its meanings; and the lessons we might learn from it.
#3798626 in eBooks 2015-12-16 2015-12-16File Name: B01CDHJSX2
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