Every year, thousands of women around the globe march for their rights. They fight a battle that has been going on for centuries. This image is a powerful representation of the constant fight. Women wear their hats that symbolize the female body and the female strength and they walk in crowds to show that they stand together. Although other posters can be seen, the one that is focused on is the one with Trump. This poster is a take on Obama’s campaign poster. By using the same design techniques as that powerful message from his campaign, the woman holding the Trump poster carries the same power in delivering her message. She is telling the others that this president and his treatment of women is not what she wants and what the other women want. Standing in the middle of a crowd is a way of grabbing attention. Holding it high above all the other posters encourages people to look at hers. Her devotion is seen through her stance and those around her. These women all work together to stand for a cause they all believe in and individually they seek power through themselves to help effect the lives of all those who can’t.
The Ted Talk I chose to analyze is one done by someone I know. My dad, a teacher at Haverford Middle School, used to be colleagues with a woman named Madi Still. I got to know her because they were friends. To me, she was full of energy and constantly living life with vibrant energy and appreciation for the small things. I never got to see her in a professional setting, so I thought analyzing one of her talks would be interesting.
When I was eight years old, I remember hearing about the tragic news. I remember hearing my dad tell me that Marissa, the name I know her by, lost her baby. I was too young to understand the pain of losing anyone as it had not happened to me yet. I sympathized and could only pretend I knew what it felt like. But as I get older I can understand more, having experienced the pain of loss twice now.
Madi, as the audience knows her, strives to make people understand that pain leads to growth and finding meaning in life. She develops her message by evoking emotion. Her speech starts enthusiastically, explaining tiny moments and details of life. But quickly, it shifts. She tells the story of her son’s death. When listening, it’s hard not to hear the silence of the audience as they become more intrigued. How is this woman, who’s gone through the most tragic event possible standing here in front of everyone talking so openly and confidently? Her ability to show her strength and dedication to this speech shows exactly what she’s trying to prove. The pain of her loss is why she is up on the stage. She is there to help others break through the way she has. Pain is temporary, maybe not one minute, but using it as a step stool to reach a better point in life is how to make it only last a temporary amount of time. She’s conversational. Her words are relatable and encourage understanding among every audience member. The majority can relate to her points. For this reason, she talks with them and works to help them. Overall, she perfectly captures attention and completes her goal.
The show Designated Survivor is about a man named Tom Kirkman who becomes president after an attack on the capital building brings chaos to the government system. In his new position, Kirkman leads the country into a period of recovery. Unfortunately, another attack occurs and he is hospitalized, leaving the vice president in charge and in the position to make decisions. The vice president makes a rash decision at this point and Kirkman is forced to address the nation with his stance on the situation.
The way he delivers his speech is strong. He is confident and controlled. His voice is relaxed to promise that fear is not necessary for his people, and his words are deliberate and to the point. The organization of his speech is effective because he provides information on the situation and then explains his opinion, yet supports his colleague despite not agreeing with his actions which is respectable and comforting to see as a citizen. As president, he already has credibility in his words, but this speech specifically is different because we see a change in his confidence and attitude toward his country and toward his position in office. I think his speech is empowering and strong.
It’s not surprising to learn that there are flaws in the research system when it comes to relaying the information. Constantly, from a young age we are taught to validate our sources to make sure they are reliable and to check for the correct ends of website URL’s. Information gets passed from source to source the same way history gets passed down in generations. Along the way, the story becomes botched. Thousands of sources practice the same studies and receive the same results, yet the way they choose to present the results varies, causing confusion among the audiences who choose to participate in the learning. Eventually, the stories become so botched that it’s hard to tell which ones are true and which are not.
Studies are not always accurate. If the same study is performed a certain number of times that it does become an established fact, it’s different. But, when results of studies come out with ridiculous numbers that seem impossible to believe, the validity becomes questionable. As a person who needs this information, I find it frustrating that I can’t get the information I need and know that it’s correct. There is always doubt. It’s good to know this though, so I can be mindful of what I am sharing with my audiences and making sure that I remain credible and accurate in my statements. With my topic specifically, there are a lot of biased opinions, so I need to watch what I use.
I have not given enough thought to my topic, but so this one is subject to change.
At this current moment in time, I have looked at possibly focusing on the shift in how society views smoking and alcohol. I intend to look into the youth and their use. Stories are often told of the times when adults were younger and they would smoke cigarettes with their friends or drink at a young age with their parents. But as these generations get older, there are rises in concern for health and education. I plan to tell the story of this shift in views from those who grew up with it as a norm and have now completely changed their stance. I will most likely focus on the last 50-100 years, which is a long time, but the quick shift is substantial.
This shift is important because it strongly affects society as a whole. The use of drugs and tobacco products is still relevant today as the youth explores vaping and other ways to get buzzed. People need to become educated on the topic as it connects to every individual whether they participate in the actions or not.
This is my possible topic for now, I will probably switch to something related more to health, like the shift in fast food choices and the awareness of the dangers in eating poorly.
The rapid change in society’s “norms” due to to technological advances is evident. More than ever, people remain glued to their screens, oblivious to the world around them. The younger generations face more of a problem than anyone else. Like the girl mentions in the article, these generations “didn’t have a choice to know any life without iPads or iPhones.” The world as history has come to know it has seen a shift in society. For so long people longed for technology, constantly adapting to new findings and encouraging the evolution of simple tasks. Without these advancements, the world would not be this highly functioning. People appreciate and look for more ways to make their lives easier everyday. Technology is a tremendous thing.
However, the creation of the phone, and of the internet, and of applications that allow for relaxing distractions from the chaotic life that a lot of people live has influenced the way people now view technology. What started as new, exciting forms of communication and social medias to stay up to date on other’s lives has shifted to concern for the generation that does not know a life without technology. As mentioned in the article, the youth is becoming more depressive and reserved because the minor ability to interact socially has become difficult to do. Parents worry for the well being of their children and of those their age who act similarly. The technology addiction is real. Kids are expected of less responsibilities because they are no longer mature enough at a young age to accomplish what was once normal for a young kid. But, people are starting to realize the dangers, quickly adjusting their opinions on certain technology. The quick shift in beliefs has only shifted the thoughts of technology. The outcome of these new feelings has yet to be seen; hopefully it will soon.
A staple landmark on the trip to Penn State is the random Statue of Liberty on a rock in the middle of the river. A staple landmark in Las Vegas is the Statue of Liberty in Liberty Square. A staple in American history is the Statue of Liberty that overlooks New York city, standing tall, representing the country as a whole and all of its values.
With the goal of representing the friendship between France and the United States, a team of French designers created the Statue of Liberty to be stood on American ground. Since the 1800’s, Lady Liberty has watched over history, welcoming immigrants to Ellis Island, encouraging democracy, and symbolizing the freedom of the United States’ people. This statue reminds the American people why they are fortunate to live in such a free country.
Having become a popular tourist attraction, everyday the Statue of Liberty is seen by thousands of people. She hovers above the city line in the distance, seen by families driving cars and kids on bicycles. Her gigantic stature brings attention to her arm holding the torch bearing the date of Independence Day. The copper color she once wore has washed away to green, yet she still stands proudly.
Lady Liberty’s image is a reflection of the country as a whole. Often, people talk poorly of their country, criticizing the government and poor economic system. But, more often people talk proudly, recognizing how far it has come, providing every citizen with the freedom they deserve and continuously trying to improve this freedom. The restorations to the statue every 100 years represent this in a way.
Across the country, smaller statues can be found, emphasizing the impact she has on the average American. But, she is also seen across the globe. After all, France designed her. Her iconic stance in different parts of the world creates community and understanding of other cultures.
The nation was founded on ideals that the American people still live by today. The Statue of Liberty serves as a reminder to all as to why these ideals still remain.
The popular word “Coexist” has made it’s way onto bumper stickers, t-shirts, wall posters, tapestries, and basically any other form of material you can put a logo on. The purpose of the word is to spread inclusion, love, peace and empowerment to the differences of others around the world and at home.
Of course, there’s always the people who need to antagonize and find excuses to flaunt their opinions in rude ways. This new bumper sticker displays the word “Exist,” but instead of a variety of religious, gender, and peace symbols, the letters stem from shapes of guns and targets.
While the idea is clever, I find it disrespectful with a lack of poor judgement. I appreciate the people who defend their rights. Everyone has the right to stand up for what they believe in. The purpose of this bumper sticker is to defend the 2nd Amendment. But the meaning behind the sticker is much deeper. There’s a reason why it doesn’t just voice “Defend You 2nd Amendment Right!”
The creator behind this wanted to counteract the “Coexist” stickers and get strong reactions out of the supporters of that cause. While others are advocating for peace and understanding, some are looking to fight. The problem with their stance is that it’s too strong.
I found the source supplying these stickers and one of the reviews read, “Great sticker, esp if you’re tired of seeing the ‘coexist’ ones around town.” The “Exist” sticker purposely attacks the other one. Just because supporters of this movement are “tired” they find reason to defeat the meaning, ostracizing the people who are trying to create a world of peace. The intentions are creative, displaying a powerful idea with deep purpose. There’s no denying that. What they fail to convey, is respect and appreciation for others in the world.
I find no harm in exercising rights, but the manner in which those rights are exercised makes a difference.
The day after President Trump was inaugurated into office, millions of women nationwide marched to fight for their rights. Washington DC hosted the biggest crowd, the most important crowd for the government to see. I myself, participated in the Woman’s March in 2017, followed by the one in 2018, 2019; nothing will stop me from attending this upcoming one and all of the ones after it. Through these marches, as a collective group, we empower and inspire. Every year, campaign ads, posters, PSA’s, newsletters, emails, and so many more influential material floods the country with the ultimate goal of creating change. Not only do these appear for the march, but throughout the year as well, including International Woman’s Day.
Last year’s campaign for International Woman’s Day featured messages like the one displayed on this image:
All around, this image is incredibly influential. Between the professionally dressed woman front and center drawing attention and the powerful words printed in the corners, the message driving this visual presents urgency for its audience. Dedication to bettering the world seems to be a common message in our country recently; across the map people dedicate themselves to the environment, equality for all, and human rights.
Woman’s rights is a big topic of conversation. Women receive unequal pay, lack control of their own body, and are seen as inferior to the opposite gender.
In the image, the largest sized sentences command that we “better the balance” and “better the world.” By commanding, the necessity to complete these tasks seems important. The word “Balance” is capitalized, emphasizing the importance of equality among woman and men.
The use of hashtags continues the urgency. People follow hashtags on social media to stay up to date and connected to the trends and events of the current moment, especially younger generations, the ones that will have the biggest impact on the future. The specific ones presented on the image promote the International Woman’s Day for this year. They encourage women (and men) to participate in the improvement of woman’s rights immediately and with enthusiasm.
The woman pictured holds her hands up as if saying “which choice will you make?” By questioning choice, she makes the cause more appealing and causes the audience to become more eager. It also puts someone on the spot, making them question whether or not they are making the right choice by helping or not.
Personally, I am your stereotypical feminist, so I was already on board to make a difference when I started to see posters like this one, but the Woman’s March and International Woman’s Day campaign posters inflate my love for changing the world day by day. Now is the time to fight. Now is the time to “better the balance” and “better the world.” There is no better time than now. These ads and posters and billboards displayed by the companies behind these movements are powerful and convincing, proving the importance of time.
I know what choice I made after seeing these signs. What choice will others make?
Immediately I saw the problem. It appeared as though the sequence of events occurring pictured a black woman transitioning into a white woman. I clicked on it and discovered a public outcry of potential racism. The ad supposedly seemed to be portraying the “cleansing” of the first woman, and once cleaned she appeared to be the white woman. Of course, I could understand the perspective of why this ad was terrible immediately. To see advertisements to this day still portray certain races, genders, and sexual orientations in ignorant ways is mind boggling. But, as I dug deeper, I found that the ad displayed above, the one that is all over the internet is not in fact the entire ad.
In 2017, Dove released an ad portraying three women in a three second clip.
The purpose of this ad was to demonstrate that “Dove is committed to representing the beauty of diversity” according to a post made on Facebook by the company shortly after the ad was released. In the same post, they explain that they “missed the mark in thoughtfully representing women of color and [they] deeply regret the offense that it [had] caused.”
Yet, the damage had already been done to some customers. People began to boycott and post previous ads used in the past that exhibit similar behavior, both from Dove and from times of segregation. The meaning behind these ads is supposed to be empowering and persuasive, yet two Dove ads, the one pictured above especially, spark anger and disbelief.
But, these reactions stem from just the first transition from the black woman to the white woman because when released into the public, people edited and cropped the video to just see the beginning. The whole ad displays more than this. In total, there were 7 women who participated in the advertisement, all of different races, when the final clip was released.
The woman who appears to be “cleansed” spoke out about the topic stating that “all of the women in the shoot understood the concept and overarching objective – to use [their] differences to highlight the fact that all skin deserves gentleness.” When I learned of the true intentions and personal opinions of the models themselves, I felt less outraged by it.
Still, I believe that companies should check for instances like these. Do they have people who filter through and address every possible controversy that could come out of their ad? Once out, the damage is done. And for an ad like this, I feel as though they lacked a filter process. I believe that in a world were people are shamed and abused simply for what they look like, a powerful company such as Dove (who focuses on skin care) needs to be aware of how they make their customers feel before they even release an advertisement.
The story behind this ad is powerful because it shows how far the world has come in such a short time. The smooth transition between women exhibits the inclusion of all. The idea that all skin is gentle and should be treated the same drives this ad.
So, the controversy behind it grows from the lack of filter from Dove. Companies need to understand their audience and appreciate them more. While the intentions are strong and beautiful, the actions may not be.
With such a driven message, is this ad actually terrible? Is it a misunderstanding in a world where hate fuels the biggest problems we face? Did the company truly mean it in a racist way and are covering it up (because it’s not the first time an ad like this had been released)? Or is it as simple as nobody checked to approve it?
To determine the answers to these questions, it’s all a matter of perspective.
