It is a simple picture of the option to check the "Yes" box, or the "No" box. The pen stands ready to make its mark. We are used to seeing this set of options so this image brings no shock to us whatsoever.
Semiotic thinking, then second glance.
This photo is basically black and white, just like how the two options present only a black or white answer. A person answering this question is given these two options and none else. And yet, we don't question it, even if we may truly feel that we fall between or outside the options.
Why don't we question this?
I think this gives us insight to what we are becoming used to. We are living in a world that continually categorizes things and people. We're all put in boxes. Sometimes people crawl out of their boxes, but they feel so exposed that they find another to jump into. Who labels these boxes? Well, here is an example. Often, we like to take online quizzes that give us insights into our own personalities. I think of color tests (I am a blue, you're a red), the "Which Disney princess are you?" time-wasters, or even the Jung personality test. Ironic that we have to go to these measures to understand ourselves, isn't it? Well, it's what we're used to. And we get used to falling into categories that make it easier to explain on paper. Maybe one day we'll take an online test that tells us whether we are a "yes" or a "no".
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