Monday, February 20, 2012
Blog Post for Week 8
From Birdsell and Groarke's "Toward a Theory of Visual Argument": "We are now arguing that the same allowances [that have historically been made for Aristotle’s koinoi topoi or commonplaces] must be made for visual commonplaces as well, allowing potential visual arguments to draw on the same range of resources that we afford potential verbal arguments" (316). Aristotle’s commonplaces included arguments by definition, arguments by division, arguments by comparison, arguments by relationship, etc. What are some examples of visual commonplaces? Provide examples (i.e., links) and brief discussion.
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Sample argument by comparison: http://caitlinhagler.blogspot.com/2008/12/visual-argument.html
ReplyDeleteHere is one that is a visual about our addiction to foreign oil: http://scottway1.blogspot.com/2008/04/fuel-fix.html
Comparison: http://paulho91.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/journal-14-visual-arguments-part-2/
Here is another strong comparison: http://emadams4.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/tumblr_l5kpg9rplr1qzjjuqo1_500.png
Argument by division: http://vmcortez.wordpress.com/2009/09/22/visual-arguments/
Relationship: http://rdedrickson.blogspot.com/2007/02/mccloud-vocabulary-of-comics.html
I could go on all day...
http://static.myce.com/images_posts/2010/08/mac-vs-pc.jpg
ReplyDeleteThe link is to an image of mac vs pc. I feel this is an example of "argument by comparison" and possibly "argument by relationship".
http://www.speekit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/americans-vs-japanese.0091.png
This one is definitely an "argument by comparison" as it is arguing that the Japanese children are much more intelligent than American kids.
While both of these examples are clearly arguments and not merely persuasion as Birdsell/Groarke suggests as a potential issue, it is important to note that both still require the viewer to possess a preconceived notion of both images. For example, the mac vs pc argument requires the viewer to already possess an understanding of both operating systems and be able to make a comparison without being told the advantages and disadvantages. What really sparks the argument is the mac begging the pc to "just get along." So instead of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates arguing over whose system is better, we get the actual products arguing with each other. The dialogue really just serves to set up the argument while the images combined with the dialogue and what each image represents gives us the actual argument.
The cartoon with the Japanese kids vs. the American kids plays off the stereotypes that the Japanese are smarter, their education is inherently more important to them, and that Americans are lazy and care more about watching brainwashing television and gorging on Big Gulps and junk food. While the argument is simple in this cartoon, there is a bigger issue presented--the reputation of America as it is perceived by other countries. It is disturbing to think that we are viewed as lazy, slovenly, and ignorant. That should tell us a lot about our media, and how we are interpreted by others.
As for commonplaces, the apple will always represent mac products and the flowing, multicolored flag is interpreted as the Windows logo. We are even trained to recognize those symbols as such. If you need to make any changes to your mac, you must go to the upper left-hand corner and click the blue apple for a drop-down menu. On older macs, the command key has a tiny apple on it. If we wanted to rework the apple vs. pc cartoon, all we would have to do is literally place an apple image up against the Windows banner with the abbreviated "vs." in the middle and voilà!
Great comments so far. If the rest of you could post before, say, midnight tonight, we'd all have a chance to look over these examples of visual commonplaces before class time.
ReplyDeleteAlso, everyone should bring the Handa collection (containing the Birdsell and Groarke piece) Monday night.
ReplyDeletehttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XdP6Lp2ceqY/TUJNYWqWGcI/AAAAAAAAlGc/zF3mSrMci7w/s1600/bDmjq.png
ReplyDeleteThis one is an argument by comparison but it is also an argument by relationship. The comparison is between pc and mac. The relationship comes from the fact that they are being compared to robots. An underlying layer of relationship is that these two robots are from the Disney movie Wall-e and the relationship between old and new technology in that movie.
http://www.teapartytribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/gascosts.jpg
This one is definitely an argument by comparison by arguing that paying for gas is equivalent to giving up a piece of our self (literally).
http://blogs.thewolfonline.com/files/2011/04/gas-prices-cartoon1.jpg
This is one that I just found humorous. I would classify this one as an argument by comparison; the higher the prices go, the worse the expletives become.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LKwO_V6n2Qc/TXaLV48zHHI/AAAAAAAAAOA/rHdFdMK_qbA/gas-prices.gif
This one is an argument by definition. Just like other political cartoons, this picture uses sarcasm that can only be gathered by viewing the words with the picture. The argument here is that gas companies claim they are helping the environment but it is hurting the citizens who need the gas to get around.
1. Argument by comparison: Dr.Suess v. William Shakespeare
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3w2MTXBebg
I took Dr.McCarthy’s Shakespeare class last semester and we actually watched this video on the first day of class. With that said, this is a perfect example of an argument by comparison. The argument here requires that we are familiar with Dr.Suess’s books and Shakespeare’s plays. “Pro Dr.Suess” side suggests that the books are always entertaining to all audience ages and are an easy read. The Pro Dr.Suess side argues that Shakespeare’s plays are boring and difficult to understand, so much so that they must be translated in order to be read. “Pro Shakespeare” suggests that the works are original, very educational, class rhymes and involve iambic pentameter and the trisyllabic meter. Pro Shakespeare argues that Dr.Suess’s books are unoriginal, “soft” literature (compares to Twilight suggesting Twilight is also not “real” literature), and the work is predictable. There are several other YouTube videos on this particular channel under the Epic Rap Battles of History. If you have time, check them out! They are great examples of arguments by comparison and are pretty entertaining, too!
2. Argument by definition
http://hummersandcigarettes.blogspot.com/2009/11/friday-funnies.html
There are several political cartoons on this page. For argument by definition, I wanted to look at the first one about the recession. The argument is placing America between President Obama and the recession. In this cartoon, the recession is pictured as a very intimidating person and America is represented by a very small Uncle Sam, resembling a wishbone. The cartoon shows Obama and the Recession pulling each side of the Uncle Same wishbone and it seems to argue that it’s only a matter of time before one side or the other will break America.
3. Argument by division
http://thefilecabinet.blogspot.com/2011/12/pro-life-vs-pro-choice.html
This is a photo of two rams butting heads. One the side of the first ram is written “Pro Choice” while the other ram has “Pro Life” written on it. This cartoon shows the division of two different sides to an argument on abortion. Both rams’ horns are locked, showing this is a heavy debate and it’s difficult for either side to win.
4. Argument by relationship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMo6o0BtFG8
This is very similar to argument by comparison and I think it can just as easily fit under either category. This links to a video on YouTube for Coke v. Pepsi. Both are related similarly to one another, because both are sodas. However, there’s always been an argument over which soft drink is better.
1) Argument by Definition (sorry it's a super long URL)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=636&tbm=isch&tbnid=29w5u3WlRvDQMM:&imgrefurl=http://adamgurri.com/%3Fp%3D60&docid=1dQe5XBGopsY7M&imgurl=http://adamgurri.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/critics1.jpg&w=800&h=389&ei=8LRKT4-TKLKHsAL41YSwDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=663&vpy=176&dur=319&hovh=151&hovw=312&tx=183&ty=75&sig=105743314005031356092&page=1&tbnh=92&tbnw=190&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0
The argument behind the comic lies with an argument of definition surrounding the loose use of the word "art." The website I pulled this photo said this: "First of all, I think it’s crucial to clarify what it is we’re actually arguing over [stasis theory]...It isn’t because people are really passionate about their particular definitions of the word “art”. It’s because we have culturally come to use the word art to talk about something higher, something refined."
"Art" naturally lends itself to mean different things to different people at different times; we must yield to the advice of Birdsell and Groarke here and acknowledge "the importance of context" (314).
2) Argument by Comparison (again, long URL)
http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=636&tbm=isch&tbnid=SSCW3gvIYpC3pM:&imgrefurl=http://billboardsandcavedrawings.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/comparing-and-contrasting/&docid=ber3__b9bgQD7M&imgurl=http://billboardsandcavedrawings.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/pepsi.png&w=450&h=266&ei=DbhKT4jlFs-EtgeR5ajuAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=508&vpy=161&dur=11192&hovh=172&hovw=292&tx=178&ty=94&sig=105743314005031356092&page=1&tbnh=108&tbnw=183&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0
The classic comparison of Coke versus Pepsi has been around for so ling now that it is essentially a commonplace within the realm of marketing and now visual argumentation. It is interesting to think about an ad or a visual argument by comparison affecting our taste buds...do they truly hold that power?
3) Argument by Relationship (last long URL!)
http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=636&tbm=isch&tbnid=FHR2RC1gjgjAWM:&imgrefurl=http://mhconferences.wordpress.com/tag/correlation/&docid=NY3x_17RdHrv2M&imgurl=http://mhconferences.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/yorkbrewery.jpg&w=1024&h=574&ei=MrlKT8G6HdK1twfK8f3uAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=226&vpy=354&dur=18837&hovh=168&hovw=300&tx=128&ty=119&sig=105743314005031356092&page=8&tbnh=136&tbnw=221&start=168&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:168
I'm not super sure that Aristotle would classify this as argument by relationship or just plain irony of the sign...either way, I thought it was fun. Drinking leads to the need to use that bathroom...pretty basic cause/effect.
Argument by Comparison
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z0Ia5jDt4
The video is a compilation of various Mac vs. PC commercials where a young, attractive guy portrays a Mac computer while a older, less attractive guy portrays a PC. The commercials are aimed to compare the differences between a Mac and PC and why a Mac is a better option for the consumer.
Argument by Relationship
http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/cartoons/2010/february/negotiation.aspx
On this cartoon, we have the Republican representative telling President Obama that if the president moves to close the gap, then the Republican representative will move as well. The representative seems surprised when President Obama does take a step closer to him and, to honor his word, takes a step backwards to keep the gap to where it was to begin with. Both parties would hold similarities that they represent the two main political parties in the US and they are also (at least supposed to be) working together to run the country. They have opposing views and arguments have been given about bipartisanship between the two parties. This cartoon addresses this issue.
Argument by Definition
http://www.subzeroblue.com/images/security_comic.jpg
This cartoon was created after the Patriot Act was passed. It portrays various words having letters cut out of various words in order to glue together the word "security. The argument being made is that the Bush administration, in order to create security for the nation, stripped people part of their liberty, equality, justice and freedom.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://abbyriley9.blogspot.com/2012/02/class-discussion-week-8-image.html
ReplyDeleteI chose this first image in response to Killer B's earlier comment about how ingrained the Mac and PC logos are in our social consciousness. Not only does the designer play off the assumption that the audience will immediately recognize the apple icon as representing Mac and the flag icon to represent PC (and it's safe to bet that the audience will readily recognize these icons as such), but the designer also plays around with the Pac-Man image as well. Obviously the designer is expecting the audience's knowledge of these icons to inform the argument and give it context. I would say that this is evidence that refutes the notion that images are arbitrary in argumentation as David Fleming asserts (309). Since the audience informs the images with meaning which allows them to put that meaning into context, the ad meets the first two prerequisites that Birdsell and Groakre list as necessary for an effective visual argument: visual meaning and context. The image becomes an "Argument by Comparison" commonplace in my opinion. The designer sets the Mac icon next to the PC icon which automatically sets the two images up for compare and contrast. Notice how the Mac icon is slightly bigger than the PC icons, and how in this image, the Mac icon functions as Pac-Man about to eat the smaller PC icons (which happen to look like they're running away by the way the flag is waving). The arcade theme reemphasizes that the Mac is the dominant technology and will consume the weaker PC. This makes the argument that by comparison, the Mac is the stronger technology than the PC.
http://abbyriley9.blogspot.com/2012/02/class-discussion-week-8-image-2.html
I would say that this second image is an argument by definition. The collective images of the coffee cups make the shape of a Christmas tree which equates the idea of Nespresso with the idea of Christmas. This argues that Nespresso is somehow involved in the meaning of Christmas, or at least the "Christmas taste." I chose this example because it is a nonverbal argument informing a nonverbal definition. After all, the designer doesn't just come out and say, "This is what Christmas is." However, there is an implied definition in the ad: Christmas is warmth (warm red colors, warm coffee); Christmas is tradition (traditional red color, traditional Christmas symbol); Christmas is celebration (Christmas tree represents holidays, decorating, the celebration of Christmas). By establishing these nonverbal definitions through images, the designer is able to associate the definition of Nespresso with the definition of Christmas.
http://abbyriley9.blogspot.com/2012/02/class-discussion-week-8-image-3.html
These Volkswagon ads play around with argument by relationship by establishing visual and verbal relationships. The argument depends on the audience's knowledge of the relationship of the images (such as the lobster and mussel shell) to the place (such as Boston). Notice how the images change based on how the text changes. For instance, when the text says "LA" the images are a Playboy bunny logo and a poodle. The designer clearly finds a relationship between these images and LA, and expects the audience to do the same. I'm assuming that the ads were run in those respective places (Boston, LA, NYC) so the relationship would be evident to the audience. By establishing a relationship between images and text, the designer is then able to argue that the image of the car has a relationship to the text as well. In other words, the car is relates to NYC just as much as pigeons and rats do; therefore, the designer makes an argument by establishing such a relationship.
By the way, sorry all these are linked to my class blog. I couldn't find a link that would take you to the image directly. Clearly my "why-to" skills are stronger than my "how-to" ones.
1. Argument by comparison: Frank Sinatra vs. Justin Bieber
ReplyDeletehttp://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/music-what-happened.jpg
By comparing Sinatra's lyrics side-by-side with those of teen pop sensation Justin Bieber, the audience is both visually and verbally coerced into an argument that seems to already have a clear winner-- the poetic and sentimental lines written and sung by Sinatra. The nostalgic black and white photograph of the 40's crooner also speaks to the audience's sense of "the good old days," while Bieber's effeminate purple cardigan and contrived hair-style create a negative modern contrast.
2. Argument by definition: The Office--Hilary Swank, Hot or Not?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_FwoTeiCbU
In this episode of NBC's The Office, the Dunder Mifflin employees partake in a rather heated debate concerning actress Hilary Swank. What the argument boils down to is one of definition. The adjective 'hot' is interpreted differently by each individual and thus, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn as to whether Hilary Swank is 'hot or not.'
3. Argument by relationship: Don't Drink and Drive Promo
http://www.toxel.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dontdd2.jpg
This photograph illustrates the relationship between having too much to drink and your ability to handle a vehicle on the road. The visual argument here is clear-- alcohol inhibits your motor skills and coordination causing you to make potentially life-ending mistakes.
Argument by relationship?
ReplyDelete1. http://weknowmemes.com/2012/02/dude-call-me-i-lost-my-phone/
The cause and effect situation in this picture is that the person smoked too much weed, and that made him not even know that he was texting he lost his phone on his own phone.
Argument by definition?
1. http://weknowmemes.com/2012/02/what-i-really-do-meme/
In this picture the guy takes the definition of what a writer is and makes it looks like a writer doesnt really do anything but play video games all day and be counterproductive. That is what I took it as anyway.
http://weknowmemes.com/2011/12/welcome-to-the-music-industry-where-the-talent-is-made-up-and-the-lyrics-dont-matter/
2. I think that this is an argument by definition because people have different definitions of music, and this is true for some music today that these people have no talent and the lyrics are all the same, and then there are people who would argue for it see…
Argument by comparison (sorry it is so long)
1.http://www.google.com/imgres?q=comparison+cartoon&num=10&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1282&bih=822&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZhdxXcURbee-vM:&imgrefurl=http://vadlo.com/cartoons.php%3Fid%3D240&docid=IUZLEHs9W4dL7M&imgurl=http://vadlo.com/Research_Cartoons/Important-Science-Is-Already-Done.gif&w=600&h=450&ei=zMJLT8XgMoKltwexrfXuAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=876&vpy=154&dur=1717&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=99&ty=86&sig=106015594629886266087&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=144&tbnw=192&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0
I thought this was hilarious, I laughed out loud. Basically what this says is that the lesser the quality of your printer paper, the worse your color and images will be. That’s what I got from it anyway.
I had a hard time with the arguments of division, I looked at the two posted on the blog already, maybe I’m just not going to the right sites.
Argument by relationship:
ReplyDeletehttp://dekerivers.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/2008061720gay20marriage.jpg
This is a satirical look at one of the reasons conservatives oppose gay marriage. They have created a cause and effect relationship between gay marriage and the supposed decline of heterosexual marriage.
Argument by comparison:
http://graphicnovel.zachwhalen.net/sites/graphicnovel.zachwhalen.net/files/Borgman.jpg
This compares the options of joining the military or trying to find a job in an already over-saturated market.
Argument by definition:
http://penroseonpolitics.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/palins-earmarks-2-9-17-08.jpg
Although she technically labeled herself a maverick, her image has embodied the term.
argument by comparison:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOHwjjhFTac
ReplyDeleteThis is a Kia Soul commercial that uses the song "BLack Sheep" to compare the Soul with other cars.
argument by relationship:http://writingreview.pbworks.com/w/page/31486440/Argument%20by%20Cause%20and%20Effect
This link takes you to an article that explains this type of argument, but the picture of the man pushing over the dominos that circle around to him makes the idea hit home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxFYYP8040A
ReplyDeleteThis is an argument by comparison to me. The world has ended and a group of Chevy truck owners have survived it. When one of them asks where their friend Dave is, another replies that he didn't make it because he drove a Ford. The ad uses humor to show that Chevy trucks are more reliable than Fords, enough to withstand even the apocalypse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKe6nyORbrM
Another argument by comparison similar to above. A Coke Zero delivery guy tries to secretly buy a Pepsi Max, only to win a lifetime supply of it at the register. The ad implies that Pepsi Max is so good that even Coke employees prefer it over Coke Zero.
http://lmliberty.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/a_us___obama_change_x_framed__poster.jpg
I think this can count as an argument by definition. Obama labels himself as "change" from the Republican party which was one of his most effective campaign strategies in getting elected in 2008.
Aristotle’s commonplaces included arguments by definition, arguments by division, arguments by comparison, arguments by relationship, etc. What are some examples of visual commonplaces? Provide examples (i.e., links) and brief discussion.
ReplyDeleteArgument by comparison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z0Ia5jDt4
The Mac v. PC commercials from a few years ago is a good example of argument by comparison. They create a dowdy persona for the PC, and a trendy, young persona for the Mac. The Mac is much more clever and level-headed.
Argument by relationship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TBd-UCwVAY
This video is a passive gay rights promo that creates a relationship between the subject and the unknown person behind the camera. The audience becomes emotionally connected to the relationship between the two, almost putting themselves in the video. At the end it is revealed that the person behind the camera is a man. This creates a relationship between homosexuality and humanism, sort of tricking viewers, especially those not interested in gay rights, into understanding the emotional pull of the argument.
Argument by definition
http://salon.glenrose.net/default.asp?view=plink&id=8227
This political cartoon attacks Palin's political validity, suggesting that she is merely a figurehead, and makes her out to be rather unintelligent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6_g3A4xWgI
ReplyDeleteArgument by comparison: This video carries the notion that Pepsi is way better than Coke. It even goes to the point of corporate treason, when the Coke employee tries to secretly buy Pepsi. The look on his face said it all. He knew he was in trouble.
http://emadams4.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/tumblr_l5kpg9rplr1qzjjuqo1_500.png
Argument by definition: It is probably an argument over abortion, from a pro-abortion standpoint. There are several pictures on this page, but the one entitled "This is not a person," with the picture of sperm clearly carries the notion that, at early stages in development, that does not constitute viable human life.
http://dekerivers.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/2008061720gay20marriage.jpg
Argument by division: This is an argument about gay marriage. While two women are celebrating their marriage, a man and wife walk by. The wife is furious because the man says that's "kinda hot." It has a clearly anti-gay marriage standpoint, where the very sight of that going on is threatening to marriages.
Argument by Comparison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z0Ia5jDt4
ReplyDeleteApple used this campaign to show the differences between Macs and PCs. Macs are newer, more hip and easygoing whereas the PC is nothing like the Mac and outdated. The Mac is clean-cut, and the PC is disheveled in some respects.
Argument by definition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ChYmr3xyNU&feature=related
I'm not sure if commercials like this count for their joking manner, but the examples given in the Dos Equis "Most interesting man alive" commercials give their own definition of what being the most interesting man is, and visual appeals accent the message.
I updated my response to this assignment on my blog: http://angiesplay.blogspot.com/. For some reason, Blogger was not working properly when I tried to post before.
ReplyDelete