The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla explores the media construction of an annual floating event on the Mississippi River, highlighting the tourist element and the absence of inherent meaning. Michael O. Johnston argues that the event's media coverage brings these experiences to life, creating a sense of connectedness between the built environment, nature, and the people who attend.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla delves into the tourist aspect of the Mississippi River, specifically focusing on the media's portrayal of an annual floating event. Michael O. Johnston reveals that the canoeing and kayaking event itself lacks inherent meaning, but it is the media that brings these experiences to life through real-world narratives. Johnston draws from diverse research fields to elucidate how the media constructs the natural and bodily sensations reported by canoers and kayakers during Floatzilla. He emphasizes the significance of meaning and a sense of place in fostering a connection between the built environment, nature, and the attendees of this event. Ultimately, the author asserts that social meaning is crucial for humans to comprehend their surroundings.

The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla

Floatzilla is a cultural spectacle that focuses on the tourist element of the Mississippi River. It is an annual floating event that occurs on the river and has gained popularity over the years. However, the media construction of this event is what makes it truly unique. Michael O. Johnston's book, "Floatzilla: The Media Construction of a Cultural Spectacle," explores the media's role in shaping the public's perception of this event. Johnston argues that the canoeing and kayaking event itself is void of meaning; it is the news media that brings these events to life through real-world accounts.

The Canoeing and Kayaking Event

The canoeing and kayaking event itself is a recreational activity that takes place on the Mississippi River. Participants can choose to participate in a variety of activities, including paddling, swimming, and camping. However, Johnston argues that the event itself is not what makes it meaningful. It is the media coverage that brings these events to life and creates a sense of excitement and wonder.

The News Media's Role

The news media plays a crucial role in shaping the public's perception of Floatzilla. Johnston draws from research across multiple disciplines to explain how the media constructs the natural and bodily experiences canoers and kayakers say they have while attending Floatzilla. He discusses the importance of meaning and sense of place in maintaining a connectedness between the built environment, nature, and the people who attend this event.

Meaning and Sense of Place

Meaning and sense of place are essential for humans to make sense of their surroundings. Johnston argues that the media coverage of Floatzilla helps to create a sense of place and belonging for the attendees. The event is held in a remote location, and the media coverage helps to bring the event to life and make it feel like a special occasion.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the author contends that social meaning is essential for humans to make sense of their surroundings. Floatzilla is a cultural spectacle that relies on the media to create a sense of excitement and wonder. Johnston's book provides a valuable insight into the media's role in shaping the public's perception of this event and the importance of meaning and sense of place in maintaining a connectedness between the built environment, nature, and the people who attend this event.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666929720