Blog Post 2: Grant Mazzy vs. D.J. Dave Mickie
Harold Innis' understanding of orality and speech is that it's primarily time-biased, meaning it is durable, heavy, and can transcend through time. It is a form of storytelling and the use of words that's able to bring about a sense of community, togetherness, and collaboration.
Now to contrast that to Grant Mazzy's and DJ. Dave Mickie's way of speaking through the radio. Grant Mazzy's radio dialogue, I believe, aligns with the community and collaboration that comes with storytelling and dialogue. Grant Mazzy's strategy of spreading the message of the missing cat is by repetition and connecting words with each other so people can have the information at the back of their minds, constantly repeating in their heads which then makes it easier for someone listening to know where to look if they wanted to help or are in the surrounding area. For example, he first states that the bridge's name is Ponte de Flaque. Then he translates the meaning of the woman who first saw the cat: Panty Pool.
Mazzy now proceeds to repeat the information, but this time by using the French words of the bridge and the woman before reiterating that the missing pet is missing in the town Pontypool. These three words are all similar to each other, with similar rhyming schemes that work in creating a stronger memorization with the listeners. Mazzy's radio introduction not only engaging, but it is spoken in a way that would transcend through time. In other words, stick into the minds of the audience.
Meanwhile, with D.J. Dave Mickie, his is not engaging or in a form of storytelling. His engagement is through sounds and phrases that don't connect or make sense in terms of dialogue or storytelling. Unlike Mazzy, D.J. Mickie's introduction is based on engaging with his audience through excitement, which, from my understanding, aligns with Innis' space-bias where one of the definition is that it's short-lived in its transcending. Meaning the listeners won't have the words or phrases repeated in their heads. Thus, easy to forget.
Hey Naomi! Nice post. Your analysis of Grant Mazzy's use of repetition and storytelling illustrates Innis' time-bias well. In contrast, DJ Dave Mickie’s excitement-driven approach highlights the fleeting nature of space-bias, as it results in a less lasting impact. This comparison underscores the significance of communication style!
ReplyDeleteThis post is a good examination of how the different speaking styles of DJ Dave Mickie and Grant Mazzy can be related to Harold Innis' theories of time and space bias in communication. As you mentioned, orality and speech are examples of time-biased media that promote continuity and durability, which over time strengthens a sense of community. This aligns with Mazzy's approach, which uses repetition about thoughtfully crafted discourse to leave listeners with a lasting impression. I also liked how you contrasted this by explaining how DJ Dave Mickie's approach can be seen as capturing the idea of space-bias in which communication is more immediate, exciting and unique.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!