By: Holly Hauser

POWER

Power can take many forms---a natural disaster, hurtful words, a successful business, and even our electricity in the home. All of these forms have one

thing in common-they each have a certain amount of control on our lives and affect us in some way or another. I have selected ten images that, to me, represent power on many different levels. For example, the ocean and

lightning images demonstrate the power of nature and the beautiful, yet frightening effect it can have on the world. On the other hand, the celebrity

collage and social class exploitation photographs explore the nature of power in society. People can become powerful through social class, money, career

opportunities, and more. In addition, individuals can abuse their power through social media, politics, and business positions. It is important to be aware of how power affects our society and what we as members of society can do to maintain a balance in our lives. Human beings are often told to “rise to the top” and to “make the most money possible,” while others are

told to “become more humble” and to “put others before yourself.” How do we as humans find the balance between the two extremes? In my opinion,

striving to achieve goals and success is a wonderful thing as long as an attitude of gratitude, thankfulness, and willingness to learn is kept

throughout the process.

REFLECTIVE INTRODUCTION

It is important to be aware of how power affects our society and what we as members of

society can do to maintain a balance in our lives. Human beings are often told to “rise to

the top” and to “make the most money possible,” while others are told to “become

more humble” and to “put others before yourself.” How do we as humans find the balance between the two extremes? In my

opinion, striving to achieve goals and success is a wonderful thing as long as an attitude of gratitude, thankfulness, and willingness to

learn is kept throughout the process.

REFLECTIVE INTRODUCTION CONTINUED

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Lightning  Bibliographic Citation: Lightning strikes. Digital image. Http://www.insurevents.com/articles/lightning504.htm. Insureevents.com, July 2010. Web. 4 Feb. 2014.  Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining  Found Where: http://www.insurevents.com/articles/lightning504.htm Found How: keyword search  

 

Why Select This Image?

Shows the power of nature

 

What Does This Image State About Power?

Power takes on many forms, including nature. As humans, we have no control over when lightning strikes.

 

Why Do You State So? We are subject to nature whenever it chooses to strike. The electricity may shut off in our homes and offices, but we ultimately cannot change the circumstances until the lightning stops—whenever that may be.

 

 

How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)? Fits in with the ocean image because of the nature theme.

TRACE Analysis of Lightning Image

Text- This is an image embedded in an article titled “When Lightning Strikes.” The article, published by Insure Events, explains the dangers of lightning as well as the risk management when dealing with lightning. The author is writing from a “safety” perspective. This article is from an insurance information website.

Reader- The intended audience is anyone who purchases insurance or is curious about the types of insurances. Basically, anyone who views the Insure events website is part of the intended audience. I am part of the intended audience because I am interested in having insurance. I share a commonality with the author in that I am interested in my safety when in contact with storms and lightning.

Author- The author is unknown, although Insure Events published this article. Insure events “provides insurance for entertainment, sports, leisure, and special events clients nationwide.” The author wrote the text to inform clients and/or future clients about the dangers of lightning as well as the way the specific insurance will protect the owner.

Constraints- The insurance agency is concerned for the clients’ safety. The article author is making sure that clients and future clients are aware of all of the safety precautions. If the client is not aware of these precautions, there may be a denial of protection or coverage from the insurance agency.

Exigence- The argument from the image suggests that lightning is dangerous, harmful, and even fatal. The article states that “lightning is the second largest killer due to storms.” The author is trying to protect and enlighten the readers/clients.  

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Social Media Bibliographic Citation:Social Media Sources. Digital image. Obsessed with Social Media? Martin Okamura, 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. <http://www.athgo.org/ablog/index.php/2013/08/13/obsessed-with-social-media/>. Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): graphic Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): informative in that it shows several types of social media, expressive in that it is only a graphic image—not trying to convince/prove something  Found Where: http://www.athgo.org/ablog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/social.media_.jpg Found How: keyword search 

Why Select This Image?Social Media has become extremely powerful over the past decade. What Does This Image State About Power? Power can take on the form of various technological tools. The creators of social media sites are extremely wealthy, a sign of power. Also, the sites give individual users a sense of flippancy about what they post/share because it is not face to face. Why Do You State So? Posts, messages, etc. can be extremely hurtful. Cyber bullying may occur—this has resulted in suicide in the most severe cases.   How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)? It stands alone for the most part. It may tie in with the Hollywood image, in that usually Hollywood celebrities have social media accounts and post things frequently.   

TRACE Analysis of Social Media Image

Text- this is a Google image; it is an informative and expressive graphic about types of social media. This image is unique because it shows all of the different types of social media websites. Also, the image illustrates the way that social media fits together through the image of a rubik’s cube.

Reader- the intended audience is a reader of the article titled “Obsessed with Social Media?” The audience could be any person who is interested in social media and may have decided to read an article about it. I am interested in the increased usage of social media in society, so I believe that I am part of the intended audience. The author and I share a commonality in that we are both interested in social media and its effects.

Author- The author of the article in which the image is embedded is Martin Okamura. From what I could find, the author is a blogger on website called Athgo blog about networking, youth, and entrepreneurship. The author is obviously concerned with the increasing rates of social media usage.

 

Constraints- The author is constrained in that his opinion on whether social media is good or bad is neutral. He is simply providing information on both aspects. The reader, however, may choose an opinion based on the image and article. The limitations are noticeable in the last paragraph where Okamura states that he is neutral.

Exigence- The article and image portray the viewpoint of both positive and negative aspects of social media. It is positive in that it restores old connections, allows relationships to begin, helps family and friends to stay in touch, etc. The negative aspect is that kids and teens are beginning to struggle in social aspects of “face-to-face” interaction. Also, privacy issues and internet addiction bring many problems to society. The author is simply bringing the two sides to the table, leaving the reader to decide their personal opinion. The author is neutral on the subject, but believes that information on social media is necessary for society. He states that “as long as social media remains at a median in our lives, it shouldn’t become a problem.”

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Knowledge is Power  Bibliographic Citation:Stack of Textbooks. Digital image. Stack of Textbooks-Stock Image. Deposit Photos, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. <http://depositphotos.com/4014828/stock-photo-Stack-of-textbooks.html>.Support   Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): graphic Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive  Found Where: <http://depositphotos.com/4014828/stock-photo-Stack-of-textbooks.html>.Support   Found How: keyword search

Why Select This Image? Knowledge is power.  What Does This Image State About Power? According to today’s standards, the more knowledge you have, the better off in life you are. Knowledge=money, which equals power for most individuals today.  Why Do You State So?The most successful individuals in the business world, for example, are well-educated people. Also, knowledge can never be taken away. Education is a priceless gift that cannot be replaced.  How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)? This image could fit in with the picture of the businesses in the city. Most of the business people with a high income career have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Ocean Waves Bibliographic Citation: "Ocean Wave Energy." BOEM Homepage. BOEM, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014. <http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Ocean-Wave-Energy.aspx>. Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining  Found Where: http://www.boem.gov/uploadedImages/BOEM/Renewable_Energy_Program/Renewable_Energy_Guide/wave1.jpg Found How: Google keyword search 

Why Select This Image? This image illustrates that the ocean has great power- it is a habitat for sea creatures; many have died from drowning in the ocean; the ocean brings a sense of power to those who are sailors, surfers, and boaters.   What Does This Image State About Power?Crashing waves illustrate that the ocean has its cycles and tides. The waves can be large at times and small at times. It is a gamble to be in the ocean at times. It is also extremely risky because the ocean can take your life—whether it be from drowning or killed/eaten by a shark,etc. Why Do You State So? Even though I love the beach and the ocean, I always have a sense of fear about me when I am in the ocean. I know its power, so I keep my guard up at all times, not doing anything risky.   How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)?This image fits in with the lightning photograph because they both relate to nature.  

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Money=Success=Power Bibliographic Citation:Zetter, Kim. "Liberty Reserve Founder Indicted on $6 Billion Money-Laundering Charges." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 26 May 0013. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. <http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/05/liberty-reserve-indicted/>. Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining  Found Where: http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/threatlevel/2013/05/money.jpg Found How: Google keyword search  

Why Select This Image?Humans equate money with power—power over others, power to buy material things, power to move up in social status, etc.  What Does This Image State About Power? If money was not such an obsession in today’s society, there would not be thousands of pictures of people displaying their money, showing it off to everyone. Being rich gets you a title, a nice car, and usually comes with a successful career or inheritance. People take advantage of money, making it their world.  Why Do You State So? In the business world, it is evident that people are so consumed with money. Money does allow for humans to survive on some level, but placing money above all else is becoming a theme for most Americans. How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)?This image fits in with the business building image as well as the CEO image. Money and the business world work hand in hand. Also, CEOs are extremely well-paid along with businessmen.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okutcYZgn5o

Click on the link above to hear “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars!

GENRE MORPH

Genre Morph Explanation Form~Image Title: Money=Success=PowerIMAGE: Original Genre:

Expressive digital image Revised Genre: morphed into a popular song, “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars

Description of New Genre/New Piece: This new genre illustrates the “need” for power via money through this song called “Billionaire.”

Explanation of New Genre Choice/New Piece: The song explains humanity’s need to be famous, rich, and to “see their name in flashing lights.” This piece relates to the money image in that money is viewed as a means to become anything powerful in life—a celebrity, popular, etc.  

Explanation of How New Genre/Piece Differs from Original: The original image is only a picture of money, but the song actually persuades the listener of the need to be a billionaire. The image is merely expressive when compared to the persuasive message of the song lyrics.  Message Changes? Yes or No? How so?: The message is more dramatic in the song because it tells of the need to become a millionaire. The picture only depicts a large portion of money.   New Genre/Piece Caption (if needed): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okutcYZgn5o 

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: The White House Bibliographic Citation: The White House Residence." Residence. N.p., 2007. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. <http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/residence.htm>.  Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining  Found Where: http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/images/white-house-north-2007-dj.jpg Found How: online keyword search  

Why Select This Image? This image illustrates a form of executive power.  What Does This Image State About Power? The different branches of government work together to create a balanced government. The President, the most powerful man in the world, lives in The White House.   Why Do You State So? The government has so much control over laws, judgments, and worldly affairs. I believe that The White House is a national landmark of power.  How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)?The images of money, status, and businesses all relate to this image. It takes money and status to become a politician. Also, businessmen have money and status and usually are involved in politics.  

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Business Skyscrapers  Bibliographic Citation:"Wide Angle Skyscrapers." HD , Download, Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. <http://www.et6.net/Wide-angle-skyscrapers.html>. Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph  Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining   Found Where: http://www.et6.net/uploads/wide-angle-skyscrapers.jpg Found How: online keyword search 

Why Select This Image? This image illustrates the dominance of business in certain areas of the nation, such as Washington D.C., New York City, and even Charlotte, NC.

 What Does This Image State About Power? The image shows that major businesses flourish in popular cities. Also, businessmen are powerful in the fact that they earn major wages.   Why Do You State So? Marketing and business help to determine the health of the economy. Businesses must have dedicated, hard-working employees and a successful organization plan in order to be a powerful entity.  How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)?This image ties in with earning money as well as the possibility of earning the title CEO. Also, it relates to the image of the rich children looking down on the poor children.

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~

Image Title: Celebrity/Hollywood Collage Bibliographic Citation: The Empress of Dress. "The Gossip Rag Then & NowThe Empress of Dress." The Empress of Dress. The Empress of Dress, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. <http://www.theempressofdress.com/2013/08/30/the-gossip-rag-then-now/>.  Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph collage  Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining   Found Where: http://www.theempressofdress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Hollywood_Celebrities__Collage_by_ThePurplePyroHedgie.png Found How: online keyword search  

Why Select This Image? This image shows the power of celebrities and pop culture in today’s society.  What Does This Image State About Power?This image shows the advertisement, status, and fame that go along with celebrities. Why Do You State So? The media is powerful in that it has so much influence on the world, especially teens. Magazines, TV shows, and movies show the “perfect” body image or the “right” way to act or behave. Hollywood has the power to create or destroy trends. It is a powerful entity that is bombarding our society more and more.  How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)?This image fits in with the social media image because celebrities utilize these images to promote certain agendas. Also, many individuals “follow” or “like” celebrity pages to keep up with them—almost like idolization.  

The Life of ‘A’ CelebrityThe Camera flashes, The late night crashes

dine and dashes… It's VIP The Paparazzi, The fan frenzy,

The life on TMZExotic cars and partying with rockstars

The fights at bars and dancing with the starsThe latest fashion,

modeling, acting, the firearm packingThe pills, the alcohol, the drugs,

the non-stop, stop-sign hugs, the search for love

The highs, the lows, the overdoseThe wardrobe malfunction exposed

The frequent damage controlThe magazine covers, the lack of clothes

The big success, then epic failout of control, nights in jail

the lawyer bailIntoxicated, hit the guard railThe intervention, the rehab

The anorexia, the brown paper bagThe sudden collapse

the progress, then the relapseThe fan support, the hate mailThe comeback, the final nail

The shows over, the next in linefor the spotlight, fast-forward/rewind.

GENRE MORPH- A POEM BY PHILIP ST.CYR

Genre Morph Explanation Form~Image Title: Celebrity/Hollywood CollageIMAGE:

Original Genre:Expressive collage of photographs Revised Genre:A very informative poem Description of New Genre/New Piece: The new piece examines what it is really like to be a celebrity. Although they seem to have so much power in society, a celebrity’s life is not all roses.   Explanation of New Genre Choice/New Piece: “The Life of a Celebrity” exposes the not-so-wonderful side of many celebrities. The poem talks about many issues that celebrities face and even bring upon themselves, such as the “nights in jail, wardrobe malfunctions, rehab, and anorexia.”  

Explanation of How New Genre/Piece Differs from Original:This piece is a written work where the collage is a collection of photographs. This genre exposes and informs the readers about the human, not-so-glamorous side of celebrity life.  Message Changes? Yes or No? How so?:Yes; The message changes from pictorial form to written form. The message is very clear from the poem that celebrities may seem to have power, but in reality they are human beings.  New Genre/Piece Caption (if needed): see the poem on the previous slide

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: CEO Bibliographic Citation:Pyke, Alan. "CEOs Made 273 Times What Workers Did In 2012." ThinkProgress RSS. Think Progress, 26 June 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. <http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/06/26/2221871/ceos-made-273-times-what-workers-did-in-2012/>. Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining  Found Where:http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/c-e-o.jpgFound How: online keyword search  

Why Select This Image? This image portrays a direct sense of power that a certain job title gives an individual. A CEO is the “top dog” or the “big man in charge.”  What Does This Image State About Power?This image shows that businesses are based on a hierarchical ladder that leads up to the highest position, CEO. Of course, this position means lots of important decision making, but the salary hardly ever brings a complaint.  Why Do You State So? I have seen the competitive nature of the business world, witnessing the fight to be on top. CEO is an envied position because of the power, status, and financial benefits.  How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)? This image fits in with the business photograph as well as the social class photograph. Also, the money image and the White House image tie in with the CEO photograph because they portray that money, power, and prestigious businesses work hand in hand. A CEO usually has lots of money, is of a higher class, and may be involved in government affairs/politics.

Visual Rhetoric Examination Form ~ Image Title: Social Class Exploitation  Bibliographic Citation:Young, Toby. "Britain's Upper Class Is Now Too Snobbish to Speak Its Name » The Spectator." The Spectator. The Spectator, 25 Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. <http://www.spectator.co.uk/life/status-anxiety/9121471/the-class-thats-too-snobbish-to-speak-its-name/>. Topic: Power Image Sub-Genre (chart, graphic, diagram, cartoon, photograph, etc.): photograph Mode (informative, persuasive, argumentative, expressive/entertaining): expressive/entertaining  Found Where: http://cdn.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Toby-Young_2641700-547x413.jpg Found How: online keyword search

Why Select This Image? This image shows the division of social classes, even expressed through children. The power of status and prestige affects all ages.  What Does This Image State About Power? The lower class children are seen laughing and staring at the upper class children, almost making fun of their “so-called” power. The upper class children look as if they are completely ignoring the other children—almost as if they are too good to associate with poor individuals.  Why Do You State So? To me, the lower class children are more free to be themselves than the upper class children—in my opinion, the higher the class, the more rigid the behavior. The status that they upper class children have is most likely a learned behavior from their parents/relatives. Power is often abused, especially in social classes. All of this revolves around how much money an individual or family has.   How Does This Image Fit With The Others In Your Collection (if at all)?This image fits in with the money graphic as well as the business image because upper classmen have more money and status in the workplace.   

Bibliography

Lightning strikes. Digital image. Http://www.insurevents.com/articles/lightning504.htm. Insureevents.com, July 2010. Web. 4 Feb. 2014.

"Ocean Wave Energy." BOEM Homepage. BOEM, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014. <http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Ocean-Wave-Energy.aspx>.

Pyke, Alan. "CEOs Made 273 Times What Workers Did In 2012." ThinkProgress RSS. Think Progress, 26 June 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. <http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/06/26/2221871/ceos-made-273-times-what-workers-did-in-2012/>.

Social Media Sources. Digital image. Obsessed with Social Media? Martin Okamura, 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. http://www.athgo.org/ablog/index.php/2013/08/13/obsessed-with-social-media/.

 

 

 

 

Stack of Textbooks. Digital image. Stack of Textbooks-Stock Image. Deposit Photos, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. http://depositphotos.com/4014828/stock-photo-Stack-of-textbooks.htm.Support.

The Empress of Dress. "The Gossip Rag Then & NowThe Empress of Dress." The Empress of Dress. The Empress of Dress, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. <http://www.theempressofdress.com/2013/08/30/the-gossip-rag-then-now/>.

The White House Residence." Residence. N.p., 2007. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. <http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/residence.htm>.

"Wide Angle Skyscrapers." HD , Download, Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. <http://www.et6.net/Wide-angle-skyscrapers.html>.

Young, Toby. "Britain's Upper Class Is Now Too Snobbish to Speak Its Name » The Spectator." The Spectator. The Spectator, 25 Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. <http://www.spectator.co.uk/life/status-anxiety/9121471/the-class-thats-too-snobbish-to-speak-its-name/>.

Zetter, Kim. "Liberty Reserve Founder Indicted on $6 Billion Money-Laundering Charges." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 26 May 0013. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. <http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/05/liberty-reserve-indicted/>.

 

 

Peer Review of Selected Images

Peer Review Workshop

Hope you enjoyed my presentation! The End