Visual Argument

Everyday in our lives there are visual arguments.  Pictures that we see that portray a certain idea to us.  Every moment of the day there are logos or pictures that influence what you do.  Once we see these images it is hard to get them out of your mind.  We see an ad on tv or in a magazine and we want to go experience what they are doing.  People who make the ads make them in a way that will adhere to our senses.  They know what will make us want to go to that restaurant or believe a certain way.  After 9/11 the photo of the firefighters raising the flag at ground zero circled around the world.  It became a big hit and was made into a stamp.  It was a very emotional photo that sent tears running down many peoples faces.  It showed how the United States may have been hurt but they will rise again.  Americans were moved by the image.  It was used as a way to raise funds for people affected by the attacks.  By how emotional the picture was it made people want to donate and help.  The same thing goes for when Hurricane Katrina hit.  Pictures showed survivors on roof tops.  It seemed like a far away town, something out of a movie, and people were in great despair.  Mcdonalds and other fast food companies use the same techniques.  Their commercials make the food look good and healthy.  They make that McRib look like the most delicious thing you have ever seen.  The way an image is constructed makes the viewer think a certain way.  A darker image portrays a more serious situation and the opposite goes for a lighter image.  Certain images are better to keep simple so nothing distracts what you are trying to convey.  Images tell you a lot about what something will be like.  It may not be true but the maker wants to convey it.  You are always being influence by visuals.

WP1 idea:
My idea for project one is political ad's for the 2012 presidential and primary elections.  I really like to see the different ads and try to understand what they convey.  I believe this will be very interesting.