Decoding

As an encoder and decoder, I find the two to be one of the most important processes there is and ever shall be. The idea, which summarized is the communication through visualization, I think is far too simply categorized within Stuart Hall's three leveled theory. The reason I dislike it, is though is conveniently gives us three categories of "ways" to decode an image, I think they're far too theoretical. Though clearly some people are more one then the other, I don't see how anyone can make a 100% dominant reading or a 100% oppositional reading, though it may seem it. In other words, I think on some level or another everyone is a negotiated reader. As much as we may assume we can understand an image (its ideology), we never can actually know if we interpret it exactly as intended if we are not its creator. And neither can we be completely oppositional to an image because no matter how we ignore an image (ideology) we cannot actually deny its existence if we're looking at it, and are thus related to it.

Indeed, we could put dominant and oppositional reading at opposite ends of a spectrum, and all of our readings could be placed effectively at some point inbetween. If I were to summarize my placement on the spectrum, I'm not even totally sure where it would be. I'd like to think that sometimes I can be more on the dominant interpretation of things. I feel I understand most cultures, its attributes, desires and means of visual communication. However I usually negotiate with alot of the "encodings" toying on the idea of whether its another pitch aimed for the pleasure senses, or if there is a deeper meaning involved. And also often am I oppositional to "encodings". I feel there is so much built into this world that is based apon concepts of the senses and desire, for some things I cannot get over the underlying motivs for quick fufillment and excitement (drama). In this age, one cannot trust everything he sees or hears if one doesn't want to become manipulated by big business, advertising and greed. At some level, everyone decodes with a certain amount of opposition to protect themselves from illusion; The question is where to draw the line if there be one.