Meaning: The quote by John Fiske, a British philosopher of media and communication, challenges the traditional understanding of realism as a simple reflection of empirical reality. According to Fiske, realism is not about faithfully representing the world as it is, but rather about the discursive conventions that shape our perceptions and constructions of reality. This perspective emphasizes the role of language, culture, and social context in shaping our understanding of what is real.

Fiske's quote invites us to reconsider the nature of realism in different forms of media, including literature, film, television, and visual arts. Rather than viewing realism as a passive mirroring of the world, Fiske suggests that it is an active process of construction and interpretation. This challenges us to think about how different discourses and cultural frameworks influence our understanding of reality.

One way to understand Fiske's quote is to consider the concept of "social construction of reality," which suggests that our understanding of the world is shaped by social and cultural factors. This perspective highlights the role of language, symbols, and shared meanings in creating a sense of reality. In this view, what is considered real is not an objective, fixed truth, but a product of social interactions and cultural interpretations.

Fiske's quote also raises important questions about the nature of representation and interpretation. If realism is not simply about mirroring empirical reality, then how do we make sense of the world through different forms of media and communication? How do artists, writers, and filmmakers use discursive conventions to create a sense of reality, and how do audiences interpret and make meaning from these representations?

In the context of media studies, Fiske's quote challenges us to critically analyze the ways in which media texts construct and represent reality. It encourages us to consider how different discourses and cultural norms shape our understanding of the world, and how these representations can influence our beliefs and behaviors. This perspective is particularly relevant in the age of digital media and globalization, where diverse cultural perspectives and narratives are constantly shaping and reshaping our sense of reality.

Moreover, Fiske's quote has implications for the study of ideology and power in media and communication. If realism is not simply a reflection of empirical reality, then we must consider how dominant discourses and ideologies shape our perceptions of what is real and true. This raises important questions about the role of media in reinforcing or challenging existing power structures and social inequalities.

In conclusion, John Fiske's quote challenges us to rethink the nature of realism and the construction of reality in media and communication. By emphasizing the role of discursive conventions and cultural frameworks, Fiske invites us to critically examine how different forms of media shape our understanding of the world. This perspective encourages us to consider the power dynamics, ideologies, and social influences that underlie our perceptions of reality, and to engage in a more critical and reflective approach to media analysis and interpretation.