For the previous two assignments, I have analyzed typography, which has proved very interesting to me. However, this is the last blog, so I thought I would try a different media.
This is an advertisement from a non-profit organization in reference to second hand smoke. 


First off, lets begin by analyzing the figures and symbolism in the picture. At first glance, I was guilty for thinking this was a sad and simple photo. Take a look at the hand with the cigarette. Painted red nails, feminine look; this is clearly not the little boys hand. Whether it represents a mother figure or a sister is irrelevant. The point is that someone in this little boy's life is smoking and he is receiving the tail end of that.
This picture represents an intense visual argument. Because there are limited words in the picture, the viewer is forced to gather the message from the image at hand. And what I gathered from this visual argument is an extreme pathos persuasion. Any moral human would feel terrible for his child and his situation. No one wants to see a 6-year old smoking a cigarette. I think that is EXACTLY the point of this advertisement. 
In addition to the pathos appeal, I gather sometime significant from the black and white effect on the photo. Lets face it, black and white suddenly makes everything a little more serious. Why? Perhaps it is because the color is gone. Perhaps because it makes the smoke stand more significant to the photo. I think the major reason though is simply because black and white represents a different mood, a different attitude. Black and white can capture a romantic moment, a beautiful moment, but also a serious and sad moment. I think black and white could not have been more appropriate seeing as this picture needs to represent a depressing and low point for this child and to hit the guilt nerves of anyone guilty of doing this "crime."
Lastly, I just want to briefly touch on the text at the bottom right. Something about text intrigues me and deserves attention. This text may seem insignificant, but because the image is so powerful, the text does not need to be so forthcoming. I think the subtleness of the text is perfect; it forces the viewer to grasp the message without reading it right in front of them. I love that! I also love how the text simply says "Stop Second Hand Smoking." Right after the viewer sees that its like, Boom. Message completely understood. The simpleness of the powerful message is conveyed perfectly with minimal text and maximal image use.
Did this image pick at your heart? Are you more aware of the effects of second hand smoke now? If you answered yes to either of these questions, the image did it's job. This visual argument was perfect to argue the negatives of second hand smoke (are there any positives?) and to appeal to the emotion of the reader. In my opinion, message received! 









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