Prompt¶
write an essay in the field of media theory introducing the concept of “audible mirror”. here’s the testimonial coming from the interview:
“Sometime during my teenage years, I felt embarrassed about my singing voice and never dared to sing, not even when alone. I had some musical talent; I could play a few instruments and even played in a band. I made songs and arrangements, but I never handled the vocals. All of those experiences made my feelings about singing even worse. When I was 35, I tried a new setup: looping software, headphones, and a microphone. I was very quiet and shy, but in the middle of the night, when the city was in its deep sleep, I would mumble and eventually sing. The microphone would amplify it, the looping software would play it in an endless loop, and the headphones would keep it just for my ears. It worked. I realized how loud singing is, even when alone in a semi-public setting. You’re supposed to be loud enough to hear yourself from the outside world. A little help from technology allowed me to be alone with myself, to explore my anxiety, feel safe, let myself experiment, and listen to my timid singing voice… Over time, I learned how to sing without trying to be loud. I love my quiet singing. That experience taught me many things about media, technology, and even politics. It brought me back to listening to music in a slightly different way than before. One of the things I started to do was to listen to vocals outside of the refrains. When people want to express their creativity and show off their great talent and breathtaking voice, they go for the most demanding refrains or choruses. Good for them. I learned that there’s so much more in the world outside of the refrain territory.
I call that an audible mirror.”
ChatGpt4 response¶
Title: The Audible Mirror: A New Perspective in Media Theory
From the dawn of human civilization, the concept of mirroring has played a pivotal role in self-exploration and identity construction. Whether it be the literal reflection in a body of water or the symbolic reflection through mimetic arts, humanity has consistently utilized mirrors as tools for introspection and self-expression. In media theory, the conventional idea of the mirror has been extensively discussed, particularly in its visual form. However, a largely unexplored terrain in this domain is the concept of the “audible mirror.” Inspired by a personal account of a musician rediscovering their voice, the concept offers a fresh lens to understand the relationship between media, technology, and identity.
The experience narrated above illustrates the power of the audible mirror, an intimate exploration of one’s vocal expressions in a protected environment, facilitated by technology. In this case, looping software, headphones, and a microphone allowed the person to reflect on and modify their sound in real time, creating a recursive audio feedback loop. This unique setup served as a mirror, permitting the individual to observe, judge, and adjust their sound, leading to personal growth and acceptance.
The audible mirror expands the conventional understanding of media as a means of communication by incorporating a therapeutic and introspective dimension. It emphasizes the role of media and technology in creating a safe space for self-exploration, challenging the prevalent narrative that positions technology as a mere amplifier or transmitter of voices. In contrast to a typical mirror that reflects visual appearances, the audible mirror reflects one’s voice, thus offering a profound and intimate exploration of identity.
In addition, the story also reveals how the audible mirror transforms the way we listen to and perceive music. Our society tends to prioritize the dominant refrains in a song – the loudest, most powerful parts where vocalists showcase their skills. Yet, the audible mirror encourages exploring beyond this, emphasizing the subtleties and nuances that exist outside the main choruses. It invites us to appreciate the quieter, often overlooked parts of the song, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of musical expression. In essence, it challenges the traditional hierarchy in music consumption and shifts our focus to the underappreciated yet equally valuable aspects of musical artistry.
The concept of the audible mirror has significant implications not only in media theory but also in the broader social, psychological, and political spheres. By highlighting the therapeutic and empowering potential of technology, it emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive and accommodating spaces in our media landscape. Further, it underscores the need to challenge existing paradigms that focus exclusively on ’loudest’ voices, advocating for more nuanced and diverse representations.
In conclusion, the audible mirror presents an innovative and refreshing perspective in media theory. By examining how technology can facilitate a deeper understanding and acceptance of one’s voice, the concept redefines the roles of media and technology in self-exploration and identity construction. Further, it opens up a new path to perceive and appreciate music, fostering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of musical expressions. The concept of the audible mirror, thus, offers valuable insights into the intricate intersections of media, technology, identity, and society.