Realism is not a matter of any fidelity to an empirical reality, but of the discursive conventions by which and for which a sense of reality is constructed.
Interpretation
Realism focuses on how reality is constructed through language and social discourse rather than just objective observation.
In this quote, John Fiske emphasizes that realism goes beyond mere representation of an empirical reality. Instead, it is shaped by the conventions of discourse that influence our understanding and perception of what is considered real. This perspective suggests that our grasp of reality is heavily influenced by cultural and social frameworks rather than just the physical world that we observe.
In practice
In a discussion about art and its representation of reality, this quote can illustrate how artworks are not just portrayals but interpretations shaped by societal norms.
There is a way of losing that is finding. When soul overmasters sense. When the noble and divine self overcomes the lower self. When duty and honor and love immortal things bid the mortal perish. It is only when a man supremely gives that he supremely finds
Wherever an altar is found, there civilization exists.
Hope is the most sensitive part of a poor wretch's soul; whoever raises it only to torment him is behaving like the executioners in Hell who, they say, incessantly renew old wounds and concentrate their attention on that area of it that is already lacerated.
It is hard to know when we have done enough for the Atonement to change our natures and so qualify us for eternal life. And we don't know how many days we will have to give the service necessary for that mighty change to come. But we know that we will have days enough if only we don't waste them.
No, I'm not interested in politics. I have zero interest. I have interest in hope and people.
I went to Ethiopia, and it dawned on me that you can tell a starving, malnourished person because they've got a bloated belly and a bald head. And I realized that if you come through any American airport and see businessmen running through with bloated bellies and bald heads, that's malnutrition, too.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.