"Introduction, or How to Cook an Artichoke" by Kearney- Stoute
TVRA 4430W, Prof. Hashmi
September 11, 2018
Reading Response: Mary Celeste Kearney, “Introduction, or How to Cook an Artichoke”
This chapter analyzes the ideology of an artichoke. Kearney examines the four viewpoints of what is an article, methods in critical media studies, cultural studies and the integrated multi-perspectival approach are used to elaborately explain how to structure research to the onlookers of the chapter.
In this chapter, Kearney argues that “the craft of academic criticism the subject of the book entails a process similar to the one the first artichoke gatherers likely unhook” (p.1). By creating this ideology between an artichoke and conducting research the article also states “scholars for interesting objects or concepts in which we have questions, and we must determine the best strategy of analysis, or methodology, that will help us answer those questions and produce significant results” (p.1).
Kearney uses systems of representation and an intentional approach to show how an ideology of an artichoke has an influence on how research has been conducted. She explains the processes of four different components. To begin with, what is research represents a method for finding a way to answer a question and also narrow it to help with finding any interest in what you’re researching. Kearney’s short story states “we find an object; it captures our curiosity and inspires questions; we poke it and ask more questions; maybe it pokes back” (p.4). Secondly, methods in critical media studies are built on different analysis or theories, scholars may use to help them in conducting research. Kearney states “It’s through our careful analysis of media culture using established critical theories that we produce strong, convincing arguments that encourage other people to see it anew and to understand its relation to a larger society” (p5). Kearney’s descriptions from different scholars, plus her own perspective; shows both representation and intentional approach to support her argument. In the third section of cultural studies and the integrated, multiperspectival approach ties together Kearney’s approach by thoroughly explaining what processes individuals may go through conducting research; it may even be challenging due to the changes over the years. “Part broadens the collection's scope to discuss the particular methodological challenges that arise when researching new and complicated media forms” (p7).
To conclude, in this chapter Kearney uses storytelling and textual examination to illustrate and support her information. The examples that were given thoroughly incorporated representation and intentional approach. In my opinion, Kearney’s intention in this chapter is to help readers when they’re conducting research and give different scholar perspectives. This information is useful because it serves as a guide and teaches readers that times may change and things are hard, but that shouldn’t stop you; eventually, you will find a way.
Kearney’s article is helpful and beneficial to anyone who needs a guideline for researching. She shows the importance of trials and tribulations in order to complete a task. Also, they’re both strengths and weaknesses portrayed in this article. One of the strengths showcased are the examples given to help explain the different processes of research. She incorporates textual facts along with her own understanding to vividly help readers. This can cause a little bit of controversy because when “an author writes it’s what an author intends it to be” (p.31). Kearney’s intentions can be blemished. As stated in “The Work of Representation” by Halls “private thoughts negotiate with all other meanings” (p.31). The information that is given from both her perspective and a scholar’s perspective based on the similarity of the research language helps individuals understand others thoughts. Although Not every reader or scholars have the same perspective there can be a mutual understanding. Readers may consider using the same methods Kearney suggests, but still, follow what they’re comfortable with.
The structure of Kearney article is important: she showed different concepts for conducting research to support; the type of dialogue that is used to make it into a story and also a life lesson. At first, I questioned myself what does an artichoke have to do with conducting research until she went more in-depth about the what the artichoke symbolizes. The artichoke symbolizes how conducting research can be challenging to figure out, but you have to continue and find other ways that can help as well as benefit you.
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