Hela mänskligheten på 116 bilder : en analys av bilderna på the voyager one

Sammanfattning: Abstract  The purpose of this study is to analyze how the visual communication the scientists in charge of the Voyager project in 1977 chose to represent humanity on The Golden Record by using content analysis. This study is built on two questions of interest as well as a theoretical framework. Representation is investigated through Stuart halls ideas of representation and identity through Craig R. Scott - identity and identification. Furthermore, two methods have been used to answer our questions, quantitative content analysis and qualitative content analysis in combination.    Even though the initial intention was to show a diverse representation of humanity to a potential alien audience, the quantitative analysis showed an overrepresentation of men and people with caucasian descent. Adults between the ages 18-60 was in the majority, followed by children and lastly older people. Blacks, Asians, women and other groups are not as widely represented in the material. Although it might seem like the scientist has failed in their attempt to represent the world in 90 minutes, we argue that there are multiple circumstances which limited their ability to do so. The time pressure, historic context as well as the absents of large information sources in the 70s is the main reason why the material has an overrepresentation of caucasian men. Considering all circumstances, it becomes obvious that they did what they could in most circumstances when it comes to including a wide range of cultures. This being said, it still does not make it ethically justifiable to make a west-centered message with all of humanity as the sender. The message onboard Voyager should be seen as a form of invitation to earth and not an encyclopedia of mankind.