Visual+Literacy

Visual Literacy Essay

1.) My interpretation of the message intended to be conveyed by the graphic is that the American people, as a whole, consume far more protein in comparison the the rest of the world. Though no explicit mention of this fact is made, it seems a logical conclusion to be drain from the outrageous figures presented in the visual. Furthermore, it would seem that not only are Americans consuming vastly increased amounts of protein in comparison to the rest of the world, but this protein consumption is neither healthy nor sustainable.

2.) In terms of the PAT methods used to create the impression I have just described: the Presentation of the visual plays on a figure/ground relationship that thrusts the images of alternately fat, over-large burgers and cute chicks to the forefront. This creates a striking contrast/reality-check when the eye is finally drawn to the written figures decribing the amount of which such food are eaten. The Actions that are most effective in this visual are the repetition of shocking text, and the alignment of the figures (one after another) to heighten the sense of repulsion experienced by the viewer. Finally, the Tools of color (inasmuch as the disturbing figures are set into deceptively calm pastel tones) heighten the sense of absurdity in the graphic - the fact that we consume so much meat is the grotesque bordering on the comical.

3.) The one factor that I feel could have been changed to enhance the effectiveness of the message conveyed by the video is perhaps an alteration in the title. 'Overproteined' is a long, compex word that lessens some of the impact of the figure it is the title of. Perhaps, a simple 'Too much?' would be more effective in conveying the message.


 * Reflection -** I appreciated this assignment because, while I recognized the importance of visuals in classroom instruction, I never truly understood the principles or methods by which said visuals are created or implemented. Knowing about the PAT guidelines, i feel more prepared to create and implement effective visual elements into my lesson plans and classroom instruction.