Chapter 2 discusses Pathos in relation to visual arguments. Pathos deals with emotion and reaction that a person feels when being influenced by an image or topic. Often times, it can spark thought and have a greater impact on the person viewing it, rather than just hearing about something and having it go in one ear and out the other. Images tend to stick in our minds much longer than words. Companies use pathos in order to manipulate how we are feeling in relation to their advertisement or campaign, which is highly successful and why pathos is still used frequently. On the other hand, Chapter 2 discusses how pathos can be used in the wrong way. An advertiser must be careful when using pathos because it could turn people away from what they are trying to get across, simply because it makes the viewer uncomfortable. For example, the picture above is disturbing. Some viewers could see this and immediately want to turn in the other direction or flip the page, where others are drawn to it because it is so scandalous. Nonetheless, pathos is used in order to shock us.
Personally, I like the above photograph. The advertiser isn't trying to sugarcoat anything that has to do with bullying. It is true that kids have committed suicide because of fellow children's ridicule. They are trying to get people to realize how serious bullying is and that something needs to be done to change it.
I am a strong supporter of pathos because I'm a visual learner. I learn buy watching and seeing things because they stick in my mind. Chapter 2 teaches us that pathos is important and strong in order to make a good argument.
In reading this it makes me realize just how far some ads will go to get your attention. Sometimes these ads can be helpful and other times they can just simply be repulsive. Having an add that makes your audience shy away from the fact simply because it's "too graphic" can seriously hurt the message that you are trying to get across. It can take away form the actual message and deter people from even trying to look closer and get the meaning behind it. However, I really think that the photo that Ciera posted with this is a greeat example of pathos. This isn't a topic that should be taken lightly or "sugarcoated" as Ciera stated above. It is something that people need to take in and see just how bullying can affect peoples lives on a daily basis. I also agree with Ciera when she says that she is a visual learner. I too am a very visual person and therefore seeing ads like these make me think deeper about what they are trying to get across. This is where pathos can be very useful for me. The images that can be used can persuade me. However, sometimes it can just be too much to handle. I think the ads can greatly affect whether or not I will be persuaded. Sometimes it all depends on what I'm looking at. Too much and I will walk away without even looking for the real reason behind it. Sometimes, pathos can just be either too much, not enough, or just right.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm sitting here going through all the blogs trying to decide which one to comment on. Then BAM!! I see that picture and immediately want to know why you choose that. After reading what you wrote I'll have to say you got your point across super clear and right on point. I understood everything you had to say. Even though I am not a huge fan of pathos its truly my favorite. The best way to get people’s attention is giving them something interesting to look at. It can be something nice and sweet or strong and effective. I too, am a visual learner and seeing ads that have an effect really get me thinking. Sometimes I have to sit there and decide if I am feeling certain emotions voluntarily or because of the ad is asking me to. We have to see the bad side of things to make sure attention is given to particular subjects. This helped me understand why people go to that extra extreme and make the audience feel uncomfortable, you cant "sugarcoat" everything as you said. I really think you picked the best ad possible to support your statement. It fits perfect, its a strong subject and many of us choose to ignore it. You're completely right whether the ad is warm and welcoming or harsh and very "to the point" it sticks in our head. We will either remember it as that ad was so heartbreaking or that as was so clever. All that really matters is getting the readers attention and pathos is a perfect way of doing so :).
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