Task 7 challenged us to repurpose the \u201cWhat\u2019s in My Bag\u201d task from Task 1, using a predominantly audio format. To redesign the \u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s in My Bag\u201d task, I began by researching ways that day-to-day objects such as clothing and accessories can be examined to increase an understanding of our meaning-making processes.<\/p>\n
Through my readings, I discovered a semiotic analysis of fashion that described the Coco Chanel\u2019s invention of\u00a0 the “little black dress” in 1926 as influential in challenging gender norms \u00a0\u201c\u2026caused by the struggle between society and ones inner self\u201d (Marcangeli, 2015, p. 30).\u00a0 An analysis of thousands of Google images of female entrepreneurship allowed Smith (2014) to \u201c\u2026recognize established patterns of behaviour and semiotic imagery projected via the use of social objects and cultural artefacts\u201d (p. 470). \u00a0A group therapy intervention encouraged women to identify personal objects that connected to archetypal concepts explored within the group context. Within such interventions, Singh and Hofsess (2011) write that the \u201c\u2026use of symbols and symbolism can help clients connect to their inner experiences in ways that literal approaches may fall short\u201d (p. 43).<\/p>\n
Considering these readings and my interest in helping people to better understand their meaning-making processes, I created an exercise that asks listeners to generate narratives about the bag and its contents from the original \u201cWhat\u2019s in My Bag\u201d exercise. \u00a0To do this, I invested time in learning how to create interactive images using an app called \u201cGenially.\u201d\u00a0 I created a script for the exercise and then worked to find ways to include more audio features, as per the emphasis for this task.\u00a0 This led me to explore sound effects and music that I could use in the exercise, while teaching those who complete the exercise about resources they can use for their own storytelling.\u00a0 In creating this exercise, I managed to experience and offer the \u201c\u2026increasing multiplicity and integration of significant modes of meaning-making, where the textual is also related to the visual, the audio, the spatial, the behavioral\u2026\u201d (New London Group, 1996, p.64).\u00a0 In addition, the exercise provides an opportunity for a participant to experience \u201c\u2026meaning-making in relation to the cultures, the subcultures, or the layers of an individual\u2019s identity that these forms serve” (New London Group, 1996, p.88.)<\/p>\n
You can experience the redesigned \u201cWhat\u2019s in Your Bag?\u201d task here:<\/p>\n