Layers of Meaning
Poststructural philosophy holds that meaning is indeterminate, a mutualistic act of interplay between the reader and a text. If you're allergic to academia -- and my allergy often acts up, too -- that means when you read something, you're actively engaged in generating its meaning. Is your friend's "OK" a friendly greeting, a sardonic gesture, or an inquiry? Depends on the context.
I've referenced the public art available on the Sunabe seawall before. Yesterday, I saw this.
Kadena is Kadena Air Force Base, the largest U.S. military facility in Japan. It dominates 83 percent of Kadena town. Planes fly over Highway 58, the main road out here, constantly. The residents complain of noise and deployment of planes like the F-22 Raptor. The first thought is, "angry local."
But then, lots of military out here call Okinawa "The Rock." This is a generally a complaint about the remoteness and isolation of this island. (For the record, I meet many military people who roll their eyes at this characterization
as much as I do.) Still, one can also imagine a 19-year-old a long way from home reacting to feeling trapped on base by scrawling this message. Meaning is layered! And textured! And indeterminate!
Then again, maybe there's a girl out there named Kadena that just broke a guy's heart. That could have layers, too.
Comments
Anybody want a peanut?
I spent 3 yrs at Kadena as a contractor repairing engines and even though I worked 60 hr weeks all I remember are the great times partying, bowling, playing golf, motorcross, and especially scuba diving.
What I want to do now is get back to Kadena. Is there anyone out there that can lead me to a source providing a list of contractors on the island, specifically at Kadena. I have a 30 yr background in aviation but recently laid off from Honeywell.
Thanks in advance
My brother who went to Kadena High School, got in a verbal fight with a group of teens from Kubasaki High School, and it escalated to the word battles on the seawall. Seen above :)