“Visual Argument”
Throughout the study of both Journalism and Visual Communication, political cartoons are often used as examples of visual theories “in action”. This particular 2014 cartoon, drawn by Rob Rogers, exemplifies Birdsell and Groarke’s Argumentation Theory…. better know as: visual argument.
The image that Roger has created is powerful because it addresses the 3 prerequisites of visual argument. These 3 elements being: 1. Acceptance of visual meaning 2. Broader recognition of argumentative aspects 3. Better account of the relationship between images and context. From the outset, it is clear that the global issue Roger’s is addressing is the Republican Party’s dismissal and disbelief of global warming. The visual meaning of picture above represents the fact that, even with sound evidence that is relayed by scientists, most Republicans refuse to accept (publicly at least) that global warming is real. This element of the argument is demonstrated by the Statue of Liberty, a notable American monument, being covered in debris and not standing in its rightful place on a body of water. This is the type of exaggerated statement that is used often in political arguments because it successfully uses one of the key elements of visual images, which is “visual flags”. Visual flags are utilized in visual images/arguments to attract the audience’s attention to the message that is being conveyed. I feel that a visual flag is required in any sort of advertisement or political cartoon, as the first key to success is grabbing the attention of the viewer.
There are also numerous “visual symbols” and “visual archetypes” within this cartoon. I want to again focus on the direct points being made about American government. This cartoon contains an image of the Statue of Liberty as well as an image of the old-fashioned idea of a GOP representative (older, white male). Roger’s did not want to leave any doubt that he was pointing fingers at the United States’ Republican Party. The use of all of this different elements of visual argument all come together to create one singular message. It is important to learn, as well as understand, the use of visual images in order to convey messages to any type of audience. Visual Argument will continue to be more and more useful as our society turns to digital media in order to advertise, communicate, and even conduct business. I find that theories from the past still apply to both present and future visual arguments, which only increases opportunities to discover news ways of communicating every day.
