Visual Analysis:
By: Breianna C. Russell
Introduction:
This is an illustration of a Pro-Life Ad from which I found on
the internet. The organization that created this visual is Life Dynamics
Incorporated, however, the exact author of the ad was unannounced. I found this
to be a great example of which to analyze because it encompasses several aspects
to which I believe are important to my subject. As you can see it is plainly an
add against abortion and those who deliver them.
Ethos:
This illustration has a very small amount of credibility, and the it's main
cooperation is with Planned Parenthood. But beyond this, the only other
professional credibility is that of their counseling, mediation, and consultation
services. Also, they do not specialize in abortion alone. I found that this
seriously damages any rightfulness that they assume to have in posting such an
advertisement. They are using a non-specific company to "back" their message.
This makes the illustration weigh more towards a radical type of expression
rather than a knowledgeable and informing set of information.
Logos:
As you can see this visual is meant to grab one's attention. However
the artist does point out the fact that to a fetus it may be like terrorism if a
doctor is "invading" it's "home" or mothers womb. But this is not total grounds
for factual evidence and this visual is also lacking in that particular subject.
It only states an emotion or opinion about abortion and not a fact-based
sentence.
Pathos:
With the first sentence lit up in red and the last few words in it a
bold fashion, it is difficult to miss the message. Also, you may notice that the
picture of the doctor to the left is depicting a grungy, dirty old man. This is
as if to say all/most abortion-performing doctors are disgusting and careless
people who smoke, never wash and who have flies hanging around them all day.
Quite the negative picture one might agree. If you look closely, the doctor in
the picture is not only holding a meat cleaver but also a cigarette in his
opposite hand. Behind him there would appear to be a trashcan. The author(s)
obviously wanted to paint him in the least respectful light. This I would
conclude is an attempt to get the audience to completely despise those doctors
that participate in abortions. Also if you will notice, there is a line in the
middle of the visual stating "It all depends on what end of the knife you're
on." This sentence alone was meant to speak of the fetus or unborn baby. As if a
doctor is a terrorist for attacking said baby's "home" in his/her mother's womb.
Conclusion:
After analyzing this particular visual I must say that I do not find it to be a
legitimate argument. Though it is full of emotion and has impact with it's
accusations, in the end it is only using this scandalous picture for accusing
all doctors who perform abortions of being heartless, dirty, and poorly
put-together people who take the homes(wombs) away from babies. It is easy to
see that the illustrator is playing purely on emotion and lacks very much so any
argument towards ethos and logos effects.
Sources:
swingvote.files.wordpress.com/.../
http://www.lifedynamicsinc.com/about.html
