figure 4.

figure 4: picture 1 (Calgary, AB)

This image was taken because my friend pointed out the fact that these two people were connecting via technology. He seemed to be showing her (sidenote: in each case, I would like to point out that I am assuming their genders here although I do not know what they identify as, and apologize in advance if I assume wrong) a video or picture or some type of media through technology. Although Debord states that the spectacle alienates and makes people forget about human relationships, this picture contrasted his statement in a way.

By sharing some form of media with the other, one might form a closer relationship with whoever they are sharing it with as it may make them laugh, and it may form a mutual understanding or mutual interest in something. This re-emphasizes the unification that Debord mentioned in relation to the spectacle. At the same time, I felt that there was an irony present in this experience, as I was trying to use my own device to take a picture of the seemingly "painted" sky, whereas this other person was using his phone to show something else to someone-- therefore missing the sunset and walking away from the natural beauty surrounding them as well. As you can see in picture 1 above, everyone is walking in the same direction as I was, and these two people seemed to be the only ones walking away from the path. It made me wonder what it was that he was showing on his phone that would interest the two so immensely that they did not care for such a beautiful view.