During last week’s Media 1 Lectorial we were asked to embark on a mission to scope out all the different forms and uses of media throughout Melbourne City. After being separated into our respective groups me and my team headed off to our assigned destination: Bourke Street Mall. Here we encountered a myriad of billboards, tram adverts, posters and shop windows.

I spotted the recycling logo on a bin (shout to semiotics!) and also noticed some stickers which were stuck onto a lamp post to advertise bands and clubs. It was interesting noting the corporate uses of Media vs. The Alternative, and the common idea of advertisement which connects the big business with the underground arts. After around 10mins of photographing people on their phones to portray the use of media in our modern age; the group noticed a silent protest occurring on the steps of, popular clothing store, H&M.

Here was a group of activists communicating through traditional media (signs and face to face action) a protest for fair treatment of Aboriginal Australians. This form of communication was intriguing to note as it was a silent protest, which means not only is the information being provided important, but the way it’s being provided is important as well; in order to fully understand what the intention of the provoker could be.

It was also compelling to view the modern use of media such as signs which include video in order pack more information into the one outlet, as well as banners and flags which are hung in almost unescapable rows above our heads, blocking the sky from our sight and engaging in consumerism.

It was immensely fascinating / disturbing to see and actually pay attention to the amount of media we actually engross in on a regular basis.