Becoming a Semiologist

This is you after you learn about semiotics. Get ready to level up.

When you hear the word "semiologist," you probably think of a type of scientist you've never heard of, spending most of their time in a lab or perhaps some dark cave studying rocks. Perhaps you think of a doctor who studies rare diseases, or someone who studies bugs or invertebrates. Whatever you think of- the image of your own self probably doesn't pop into your head.

What if I told you that YOU could be a semiologist? Yes, YOU. You could even be a really good one.

To become a semiologist, it probably helps to know what you study. Semiotics, in its most basic definition, is the study of signs and their meanings. In this context, we're talking about signs and meanings in pop culture. This might seem a little confusing, but let's look at a few examples.

Anything that has meaning is a sign. For example, the clothes that you wear. The photos that hang on the walls of your apartments. The main character in your favorite movie. The stickers that are on your water bottle. Each thing communicates a message to the world.

Practicing semiotics comes down to three simple questions:

1. Why does something look the way it does?

2. What is the message?

3. Why do I (or why does the public) like and enjoy it?

In a world today that is so saturated and obsessed with entertainment, becoming a semiologist is a good way to navigate the flood of information and pop culture being thrown at us. It's practically being shoved down our throats. There are no right or wrong answers- interpretation is individual, but themes and messages are largely universal.

Let's look at a few hot topics in pop culture and analyze them.

Exhibit A: The Eras Tour

1. Why does this look the way it does?

   1. Taylor is celebrating her identity as a woman and a superstar in her dark, bejeweled costume. It draws attention to her and creates unity with her backup dancers. The eras tour is bigger, louder, and more diverse than any other tour she has put on, with several costume and set changes. They are there to put on a show.

2. What is the message?

   1. The eras tour is an exploration and culmination of Taylor's music and her career, showing the world what she has accomplished and overcome to end up on top. It is a tribute to her younger self, her devoted fans, her close friends and current self for what she has been through.

3. Why do I (or why does the public) like and enjoy it?

   1. Taylor Swift is a symbol of female empowerment and womanhood. The Eras Tour is a victory for her as an artist and a public figure, proving that a woman can be more successful than anyone else for her own work. The extensive set list explores her music from the beginning to now, providing entertainment for everyone, and reminding many of us of our childhoods.

Exhibit B: In-N-Out Burger

1. Why does something look the way it does?

   1. The bright red and yellow logo and packaging of In-N-Out burgers is eye-catching appealing, and it is created for convenience. It has the classic, familiar diner look of the 1950s.

2. What is the message?

   1. In-N-Out offers cheap and easy to choose fast food (hence the 4 items on the menu), making it easily accessible and affordable. The employees are nice and sharply dressed. They want to create a space for families, broke college kids, and nostalgic grandparents alike.

3. Why do I (or why does the public) like and enjoy it?

   1. The American public loves cheap and easy fast food. Convenience is the name of the game in the fast food business. In-N-Out is just classic enough to be dependable, and just creative enough (with their animal style fries and secret menu) to keep us guessing. It's the perfect combo to get us coming back for more.

Now your turn!

Exhibit C: The Barbie Movie

1. Why does something look the way it does?

2. What is the message?

3. Why do I (or why does the public) like and enjoy it?

Exhibit D: Cosmo the Cougar

1. Why does something look the way it does?

2. What is the message?

3. Why do I (or why does the public) like and enjoy it?

Hopefully these exercises helped you take a step back and think about why you and the public consume what you do. And now you have a new weapon in your arsenal to help you become more aware: the knowledge of semiotics! Yay!

Now, go forth, fellow semiologist, and decipher the meaning of all things. Good luck!