In Everything's An Argument, Chapter 14 (Visual Arguments), a main topic that is discussed is how advertisements, posters, and other similar types of visuals influence us to make choices and persuade us to think a certain way. Fonts, seals, endorsements, and colors are all factors that play into an ad or poster can make you feel about the topic and argument they are trying to get across. There are four types of appeal (logos, pathos, ethos, and karios), but this chapter really looks at the pathos (emotional) side of things.
The above ad demonstrates an immediate appeal to emotions, in particular sadness. Because of the dark background and lack of light throughout the image, Your eyes are drawn to the tattoo on the mans shoulder, and then to his head hanging in what appears to be disgrace or shame. It has a simple message on the bottom in all caps, keeping a uniform line and doesn't distract from the message. This ad was very effective to me and caught my eye immediately out of a group of ads, so I think it was very effective.
For my visual ad, I plan on using darker colors and black and white to create even more contrast than the above ad did. As far as a topic goes, I will probably either do an above the influence ad or a wildlife awareness ad similar to the gorilla one that would help the general public learn more about what's going on and possibly influence them to help.
This is a very effective form of pathos. Every person out there knows someone or knows of someone who has been effected by drunk driving. It is one of the most talked about topics in the world of pathos. Every one has seen a commercial, an ad, or have been told that drunk driving is dangerous. That does not stop people from doing it. Millions of people have been killed as a result of drunk driving. Ads like this can often times make someone think twice about drinking and driving. If ads like this did not exist the deaths from drunk driving would go up even higher. The reason pathos is so effective is because it only takes one picture or image like this to make someone change their mind about doing something stupid like drinking and driving. Not to say ads like this prevent drinking and driving altogether, but it certainly can make people stop and think twice about it. Overall ads like this really make you stop and think to yourself: is it worth it… The answer should be no.
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