Just Looking ...

When I first saw this ad, I was reminded of the political poster with the African child wearing a beret, Professor Kalmar had spoken about in class. I am glad i finally chanced upon something to post. This is an example of Roland Barthes' signifier, signified and sign idea.

This Benetton ad depicts a Tibetan monk along with a soldier of the People's Republic of China. In eastern cultures, bowing denotes reverence and pacification, they are greeting each other as such. At face value, they represent Tibet and China (the signifier) they are bowing to each other with respect (the signified) which propagandizes that the two are peaceful with one another. This is at the language level. On closer examination at the myth level however, there has been armed conflict between the faction ever since the invasion of Tibet by the Peoples Republic of China dating back to the mid 1950s.

I posted a second photo to show the irony that the propaganda photo shows the union to be so peaceful and agreeable, yet in reality the issue is much more violent and opposing.

Labels: 2008, Beijing, China, Olympics, Tibet