5. Developing the Intrasubjective Mediating Framework

Abstract

Ivan Kalmar (2005) suggests, 'if McLuhan's name no longer rings as it once did, it is because history has paid his ideas the compliment of making them commonplace' (227).1. Introduction: Problematizing our Relations with Media Technologies12 Semiotics, the study of words and language-sign and signifier-is mostly outside the scope of this book. However, it is quite important, so there is a place for it within the framework/instrument I develop.1. Introduction: Problematizing our Relations with Media Technologies imply autonomy and separation. Kenneth Gergen (2009: xxvii) describes this issue quite well:The very idea of individual persons is a byproduct of relational process. But how can I describe this process without using a language that inherently divides the world into bounded entities? To be more specific, by relying on common conventions of writing, I will invariably rely on nouns and pronouns, both of which designate bounded or identifiable units. The very phrase, 'I rely on you….' already defines me as separate from you.[…] Try as I may to create a sense of process that precedes the construction of entities, the conventions of language resist. They virtually insist that separate entities exist prior to relationship.