The CODE-X series catalogs a vast codex of source codes (aka “signs”) extracted from past audits.

The object of study in semiotics is not the signs but rather a general theory of signification; the goal of each “audit” is to build a model demonstrating how meaning is produced and received within a category or cultural territory. Signs on their own, therefore, only become truly revelatory and useful once we’ve sorted them into thematic complexes, and the complexes into codes, and the codes into a meaning map. We call this process “thick description”; the Code-X series is thin description.

“COWBOY UP” NORM: Adopting a shared code/ethos that provides the honor or moral courage to do what’s right.

“COWBOY UP” FORMS: Lone wolves who band together now discover that they are no longer each the sole arbiter of right and wrong. The cadre has a shared code/ethos that they must internalize. Warrior culture — honor is what matters. Silent meaningful looks and nods among members of the group, affirming that they all agree on what the proper action is here. Though the ethos sometimes must be articulated. Pike, in The Wild Bunch: “When you side with a man, you stay with him! And if you can’t do that, you’re like some animal; you’re finished! We’re finished. All of us.”

From a 2024 study of the CADRE (defined as: adopting a moral code, accepting responsibility for your actions, working with others for a common goal) territory within the American West space — as surfaced from movies, TV shows, and videogames. Semiovox collaborated with Ramona Lyons.