Jarratt Rouse
Professor Vandermey
English Composition
September 5, 2012
Images, Power, and Politics
The practice of looking is an activity taken on daily.
With everything we do we are looking, analyzing, and interpreting. Participation in this affair is
nonnegotiable to say the least.
Visual culture is so prevalent in todays’society because of how mentally
simulating images can be to our brains.
Every image and representation has an intended effect.
People construct meanings from images based on representations,
perceptions, changing contexts, and ideologies. Relationships are formed with visual
culture through these modes of looking. They allow us to see the shallow message
of an image but then dig deeper into it and really search for the true
meaning. Photography is a huge
part of society and it has claimed the reputation of realism among visual
culture today. It does wonders to
portray the use of ideology, as well as, show the value of images.
This reputation, however, is not without scrutiny.
Images are always molded by subjective choice.
Visual culture is filled with iconic imagery that exhibits how power and
politics are embedded in them. The
picture of the lone student in Tiananmen Square standing up to the tanks shows
not only how power in this world is corrupt but also the fight for political
freedom. This principle is seen
all throughout the visual world, with artists, photographers, and advertisers
attempting to persuade viewers in a particular direction.
Recognition is obtained and a reputation is earned.
Visual Culture is a cornerstone in society today.
Professor Vandermey
English Composition
September 5, 2012
Images, Power, and Politics
The practice of looking is an activity taken on daily.
With everything we do we are looking, analyzing, and interpreting. Participation in this affair is
nonnegotiable to say the least.
Visual culture is so prevalent in todays’society because of how mentally
simulating images can be to our brains.
Every image and representation has an intended effect.
People construct meanings from images based on representations,
perceptions, changing contexts, and ideologies. Relationships are formed with visual
culture through these modes of looking. They allow us to see the shallow message
of an image but then dig deeper into it and really search for the true
meaning. Photography is a huge
part of society and it has claimed the reputation of realism among visual
culture today. It does wonders to
portray the use of ideology, as well as, show the value of images.
This reputation, however, is not without scrutiny.
Images are always molded by subjective choice.
Visual culture is filled with iconic imagery that exhibits how power and
politics are embedded in them. The
picture of the lone student in Tiananmen Square standing up to the tanks shows
not only how power in this world is corrupt but also the fight for political
freedom. This principle is seen
all throughout the visual world, with artists, photographers, and advertisers
attempting to persuade viewers in a particular direction.
Recognition is obtained and a reputation is earned.
Visual Culture is a cornerstone in society today.