Month: December 2019

Visual Rhetoric of a Public Controversy

The image that I chose demonstrates how humans are creating the sixth mass extinction. The context of the image shows a gun pointing at a crying girl. The gun represents the human industrialization while the girl represents the earth. The major aspect of this picture portrays the pollution created by humans and how that is affecting the environment. Throughout the years, pollution created from fossil fuels, factories, and exhaust pipes contribute to the air pollution throughout the world. Along with that, the increase in pollution also plays a part in the increasing temperatures as well. The fact that the change in climate is so rapid means that animals cannot adapt to the new conditions. 

Another major part of the image shows the little girl crying. The little girl represents the earth with a waterfall to show tears falling down her face. The environment is suffering from the drastic changes due to human activity. The sixth mass extinction is not only the fastest extinction in history but it is also the only extinction caused by humans. The earth is struggling to keep up with further industrialization of humans. 

The last thing this picture is trying to convey is compassion from the viewer. When someone actually sees how the earth being heavily polluted, they realize the true effect of humans on the earth. When humanity begins to truly reduce their carbon footprint and become environmentally conscious, the earth may begin to slowly heal. We must work together in order to keep the earth beautiful and prosperous for generations after us. All in all, this powerful image impacts the emotional appeal of the viewer. The message within it is portrayed through the picture creates a story with a deeper meaning.