Same Message, Different Meaning

Have you ever had the experience where someone you’ve watched a movie or TV show with has come away with a drastically different opinion of that media? It can be hard to see something you love (or hate) through the lens of someone else’s experience. Our experiences and identities all influence how we understand media.

In this exhibit station, we asked a group of people in our Southwest Michigan community to answer the question, ‘What does the American flag mean to you?’ Remember, anything that communicates a message is media – even flags!

Look at the portraits of people we interviewed. Are there any clues there that suggest what that person might feel about the American flag? What elements of each person’s appearance are you using for clues – their race? Gender? Age?

When you’re ready, open the small door next to the portrait to reveal the subject’s response and compare it to your guess. Pause the audio track to explore the exhibit and press play when you’re ready to continue.

Did any of the responses in this exhibit surprise you? What elements of people’s identity seemed to be the most influential in how they saw the American flag? What parts of your own identity or experiences do you think are the most influential in how you interpret media?

Let’s find some more examples of how people interpret media differently! Find your next station and select the corresponding track when you arrive.