In the creation of this picture, the photographer uses different elements to further depict his viewpoint and goal of the overall protest. The photographer uses an appeal to the logic of the audience by capturing the placement of the protester at just the right time. Due to the photographer's capturing of the scene, the viewer is able to capture the protester's appeal to the soldier's logic. This clear message is that you cannot fight fire with fire, you may only end this war with peace. The message of logic pertaining towards peace is juxtaposed with the placement of the soldiers while they refuse to accept the logic presented by the protester. The scene is perfectly captured with the protester in an excellent position staring at the flower so intently it seems he will not take no for an answer when it comes to her logic. The image of the flower protester acts as a perfect representation of the anti-war movement's goal because it provides a proper depiction of making peace and love rather than war. Thus, proving that this picture was of vital importance towards the movement to end the Vietnam war.
-Jason Recht
I know it could be difficult to discuss the logos of such an emotional photograph, so good job with that. I like that you related the tenacity of logic to that of the protester’s facial expression as she stares at the flower. There is one place where you mention that the soldiers refuse to accept the protester’s logic, and while I’m not sure that you can necessarily jump to this conclusion, I thought it was interesting that you discussed logos both within the photograph and within the actual situation as it occurs. Another aspect of logos could be the idea that the soldiers’ hostility towards a harmless protester, reflected through the photo’s imbalance from left to right, is unnecessary and unreasonable.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
The overwhelming pathos in this photo negates the need for other rhetorical elements, but you still took up the task to exemplify the Logos for which I have utmost respect. There doesn't seem to be much logic in the actions of the flower girl, but you counter this by mentioning the logic of the photographer and the context. Peace is the idea, so why not put a flower in a gun? You mention the photographer saw this and this was his logic. When you couldn't find the logic in the piece, you looked outside the box.
ReplyDeleteJason, VERY nice.
—Jack Wisniewski