By definition, semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. But this short (and very simple) definition does not seem to do the word justice. Even explaining it as the “signifier/signified” does not suffice. Today in class we discussed how to recognize the meaning of something, by looking at more than just the sign it is represented by. That recognition is often a difficult task and the mind must be conditioned to look beyond what is presented to the eye.

Everyday we come into contact with thousands of signs: words, both spoken and printed, signs,  symbols, pictures, people and objects. All of them hold meaning. Each and every one was created with some intention and presented in a very specific way as to influence its viewer. The people in power are very capable of controlling how the general public thinks because they are responsible for what the general public sees. There are certain agendas, economic factors and corporations behind the scenes that work as driving forces. To be a successful and independent  individual, we must not allow ourselves to fall into the propaganda that symbols or signs may represent; there are connotations that are automatically associated with certain signs because that is the way they have been structured. Understanding such an abstract concept is the first step in refusing to blindly accept these created meanings.

Having the ability to recognize the meaning of signs is to have a specific critical literacy. And an important one. It’s about  being able to read between the lines, to interpret  the significance of information that is both presented and omitted. It’s about piecing together the agendas and driving forces of ad campaigns or political leaders. It’s about understanding how words and symbols work together to give meaning due to a context. It’s about not be influenced by the signs that are bombarding our lives everyday. It’s about learning to read the world with open eyes in order to interpret intentions beneath face value.