Children, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity Advert
Non-profit agencies may represent poverty with depressing images that should draw attention to the issue. For instance, Children, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity used to enhance their advertisements with pictures that contrast a typical livelihood of a first-world country citizen (Bullock et al. 727). However, George believes that such representation is stereotypical and only addresses the superficial side of the problem, as rebuilding a dilapidated home does not fix it (Bullock et al. 731). Perhaps, the advertisement should tackle the causes of poverty and promote positive imagery, which can be seen on some websites nowadays.
Thanksgiving Day
To an American person, Thanksgiving is an important occasion for family gatherings. Perhaps, by alluding to the holiday, George wishes to make her experience relatable to other citizens (Bullock et al. 726). However, people outside of the US may not find the reference special. On the other hand, the quote reflects the idea promoted by the author and may resonate with the sympathizing audience. In general, its vagueness may not have the same effect on those who are not invested in the issue.
A Black-and-White Picture of a Young Girl
As established previously, depressing images may produce a certain effect and drive people to action. George chooses a black-and-white picture of a young girl that resembles a wanted poster as an example of an advertisement that may be detrimental to the cause (Bullock et al. 728). Other non-profit organizations might support the idea and advise against using such images, as Oxfam did (Bullock et al. 727). Their website contains mostly bright photographs with smiling people, which highlights the results of the organization’s activity.
The Issues of Poverty Representation in the US
George’s main purpose is to underline the issues of poverty representation in the US. Although she focuses on international organizations, some of her analysis is directed at the local ones, and she constantly alludes to American realities (Bullock et al. 733). However, George could also address the racism towards the third-world countries and the minorities in the US (Bullock et al. 732). Overall, while the essay’s primary focus is poverty, some of the points could apply to other spheres with false representation.
Work Cited
Bullock, Richard, et al. The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings and Handbook. 5th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2019.