Media Commentary on Visual Spaces

Introduction

The meaning of "ZERO IN" is to centralize one's surveillance. Zeroing is an entirely appropriate allegory for the way citizens view the world. The world is seen from the stand of armed aerial and routing machines. This is not a new claim but what is new is the recurrence of above images circulating in global media culture. Overhead imagery has increased comprehensibility and has taken on magnified impression on media culture in various ways. First, it has become the set up for many moderate news occurrences. It is thus used to orient viewers on coverage of local space (Parks). Second, above image actuates desires and activates more local views. Third, the above image has been by the media as a visual trick by media news producers to remain competitive from other channels. The above picture makes people think through the concept of the world being a prey not because of its angle only but also because of the knowledge exercises and its relevance of communication.

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The creation of the above images is done through communication infrastructure that is not visible. Satellites and aircraft create a perception that the world is a target. Viewing them from above creates a platform for thinking about the creation of and the significance of communication. This is because curiosity is drawn to issues like the use of weapons and managing of frames. Such views are used to zero in to show that the materiality of communication is not visible. This is whether it is immersed under water or the ground, mixed in with the environment that is built or situated beyond human viewpoint. The overhead images challenge us to recognize the frame as purely represented.

An overhead image discloses a site to monitor, to destroy or develop. The first act of war when the government is being overthrown is by destroying the communication infrastructure. Destruction of communication infrastructure is a technique used in modern warfare. For example, the US invested heavily on global media company in Afghanistan and Iraq. The construction of media started even before wars. TV and radio stations targeted civilians with information where to get news as the bombing was taking place to destroy Afghanistan and Iraq communication systems. There are images of the attack on communication infrastructure in Iraq.

Like the image of the satellite in Iraq and Afghanistan, Michoud Assembly facility was constructed on behalf of the United States Government. The model also resembles that used in satellite images of Iraq post and pre-strike. It was also used for the war production during World War 2. It was used for the construction of rockets. Michoud Assembly buildings did not experience flooding during Hurricane Katrina due to the pump operators who stayed back to protect it. Like the attack of the bombings of communication infrastructure, the roof of the main building of Michoud was damaged. In 2017, there was a tornado where the factory is located. Two main buildings that were used for manufacturing were destroyed. Like the attacks on communication facilities, overhead images of communication facilities were damaged.

The images have an arrow that shows areas of the building in the image that were hit and destroyed. The above pictures of Afghanistan and Iraq not only depict the land as a target for attack but also indicate other communication sites to be killed. How the arrows are designed they not only circulate information but also allow for interpretation of the image. These are referred to us the 'direct look.' The shaft tries to control definition which in return restricts interrogation of the image. The arrows are designed to ensure the viewer has a quick read, and a rapid interpretation is made by the viewer on what is represented by the image.

The act of zeroing can be said to be designed to do psychological harm. These acts are referred to as the 'weaponized image' by Nicholas mizzoeff. He argues that we have used such images for political gain since they release so many images that there is no time for scrutiny (Mirzoeff). These were an example in the case of war in Iraq. The image on Iraq contradicts what is written because it only shows only what the arrow suggests. Satellite images are just useful if they are carefully looked at critically analyzed and self-reflection. They show more than what the indicators suggest. Therefore the act of zeroing on the target image should be reversed so that we not only view the picture but the satellite itself too.

The image depicts historical changes that have occurred in the world of visual space. Initially, the public could not be able to access the visual images, especially on targeted areas. But currently, though uninterrupted the photos are clear and can be found on Google Earth. However, because user communities can access the images and highlight the obscured areas Google earth engages with states to ensure that the satellite images have been doctored or are censored for viewership (Hamilton). The access of the satellite images by civilians have made some places like Afghanistan and Iraq accessible to people since the images are available.

Conclusion

There is a lot of concern on the images of Google Earth that can be used by terrorists to attack developing countries (Henderson). The images have open source information and showing off soft targets like churches, marketplaces, and government buildings. The image can show that there are continuity and a change in the history of how civilians view the visual space. More and more people have access to visual images and can interpret them unlike before when it was just images that were showing a target location. In conclusion, there is a need to ensure that there is a reverse shot for every image shot to get to know the object behind taking the image, its purpose and origin. There is also the need to ensure that we not only highlight the moment when destruction takes place but what will follow after. The availability of visual images by the united state has waged war on so many countries it is time the visual images brought peace instead of creating more conflict.

Works Cited

Mirzoeff, Nicholas. "On Visuality." Journal Of Visual Culture, vol 5, no. 1, 2006, pp. 53-79. SAGE Publications, doi:10.1177/1470412906062285.

Parks, Lisa. "Digging Into Google Earth: An Analysis Of "Crisis In Darfur." Geoforum, vol 40, no. 4, 2009, pp. 535-545. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.geoforum.2009.04.004.

Henderson, Barney. "Terror In Mumbai." Strategic Comments, vol 14, no. 10, 2013, pp. 1-2. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1080/13567880802689904.

Hamilton, Fredessa D. "Cultures In Orbit: Satellites And The Televisually Lisa Parks." The Communication Review, vol 10, no. 3, 2007, pp. 271-275. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1080/10714420701528107.