Lung Cancer and Courtney Schultz Ogden
Courtney Schultz
Ogden
English 122
2/07/2011
Writing Assignment #4 What is it in a picture, poster, photo, that catches your eyes? Is there meaning or a message that is supposed to appeal to one’s emotions? The image on page 153, the American Cancer Society’s poster of, “Set Yourself Free,” caught my eye. By looking at the image, one would assume it’s about hot air balloons. But unless the wording is read, one would never know it’s about trying to get people to quit smoking. Now, it’s time to go beyond the eye and use our minds to get out the real meaning and message behind this poster. First things first, one must ask his/her self what the writer’s thesis or claim could be. It’s obvious; the American Cancer Society wants people to quit smoking because it causes cancer. An assumption being made is that people, who do smoke, aren’t free. They aren’t free from the harmful, cancer causing cigarettes. Convincing viewers is very important. When a person puts the word cancer next to anything it makes them think of their health. Knowing the effects things have on people’s bodies is enough to get them to temporarily stop a bad habit or to completely drop one. Unfortunately, this ad has no statistics to help persuade people to stop smoking. Though there are some authorities that are cited for people whose interest have been caught. To contact for more information there is a 1-800 number listed and also a website. Another way to analyze an argument is to determine the logic behind it. Also, if there is any appeal to emotion. I would argue myself that this is a valid image, and yes it’s emotional. It’s touching in a way because it makes a person think about the harmful effects of smoking. Maybe they’ve lost a loved one to lung cancer, maybe they want to quit their self, become free of smoking. Lastly, when analyzing an image one must think of fairness. Counterarguments must be considered, along with dishonesty, and the tone of the photographer
Ogden
English 122
2/07/2011
Writing Assignment #4 What is it in a picture, poster, photo, that catches your eyes? Is there meaning or a message that is supposed to appeal to one’s emotions? The image on page 153, the American Cancer Society’s poster of, “Set Yourself Free,” caught my eye. By looking at the image, one would assume it’s about hot air balloons. But unless the wording is read, one would never know it’s about trying to get people to quit smoking. Now, it’s time to go beyond the eye and use our minds to get out the real meaning and message behind this poster. First things first, one must ask his/her self what the writer’s thesis or claim could be. It’s obvious; the American Cancer Society wants people to quit smoking because it causes cancer. An assumption being made is that people, who do smoke, aren’t free. They aren’t free from the harmful, cancer causing cigarettes. Convincing viewers is very important. When a person puts the word cancer next to anything it makes them think of their health. Knowing the effects things have on people’s bodies is enough to get them to temporarily stop a bad habit or to completely drop one. Unfortunately, this ad has no statistics to help persuade people to stop smoking. Though there are some authorities that are cited for people whose interest have been caught. To contact for more information there is a 1-800 number listed and also a website. Another way to analyze an argument is to determine the logic behind it. Also, if there is any appeal to emotion. I would argue myself that this is a valid image, and yes it’s emotional. It’s touching in a way because it makes a person think about the harmful effects of smoking. Maybe they’ve lost a loved one to lung cancer, maybe they want to quit their self, become free of smoking. Lastly, when analyzing an image one must think of fairness. Counterarguments must be considered, along with dishonesty, and the tone of the photographer