Introduction
The employment of diverse rhetorical tactics in advertising has a considerable impact on the target audience’s perceptions, attitudes, and behavior. The photograph under consideration, with text encryption, “If Staying Home Is More Dangerous, Speak Up,” piques the viewer’s interest with its thought-provoking arrangement.
In this paper, an image is analyzed to depict how it utilizes logos, pathos, and ethos to express its underlying themes by examining the visual features, target audience, and publishing environment. The artwork not only emphasizes the dangers of silence in difficult circumstances, but it also appeals to the viewer’s logical thinking, emotional reaction, and ethical obligation.
Description of the Image
A black woman with deep, dark eyes stares directly and fiercely at the spectator in the photograph. Her face is determined and concentrated. She is seen with a wig on. The image’s phrase, “If Staying Home Is More Dangerous, Speak Up,” is displayed in a strong white font color theme. In addition, there is a yellow square in the image’s right corner with a letter encryption “W.” These graphic components are used to express the message in this artwork, which was inspired by the Women’s Fund Miami organization as indicated by the site domain name: womensfundmiami.org.
Target Audience and Publication
Factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, class, education, and marital status must be considered while analyzing the target audience for this advertisement. The poster appears to be aimed at those who are aware of the threats that underprivileged populations, particularly black women, confront. A beautiful picture is utilized to educate people about the distressing subject of violence against women, with a special focus on the experiences of Black minority women as the audience. A Black woman’s face stands in the center of the photograph, her deep, penetrating eyes fixed unflinchingly on the spectator, which can be used to address an audience with a history of domestic violence in a bid to reduce violence against women. Her gaze is determined and focused, showing the courage and tenacity typically displayed by Black women suffering abuse.
She is seen wearing a wig, a metaphor for the many identities and roles that Black women play in their lives. This complication is emphasized further by the image’s accompanying text, which says, “If Staying Home is More Dangerous, Speak Up.” This strong, white writing sticks out against the backdrop, pushing women to break the silence and take a stand against domestic violence and any other form of intimidation against women, especially black women.
With regards to its publication, the image is likely to resonate with readers who are actively seeking change since it appears in newsprint that spotlights social concerns and advocates activism. It is also critical to investigate if other advertisements or articles in the newspaper complement or contradict the image’s message. If other information in the publication supports the necessity of speaking out against threats to disadvantaged populations, the total effect of the image is enhanced.
Moreover, the yellow square with the letter “W” in the lower-right corner of the image draws attention. This “W” is a subtle hint to the Women’s Fund Miami organization, whose domain name is stated as womensfundmiami.org. Women’s Fund Miami is clearly a driving factor behind this artwork, and it is most likely dedicated to providing resources, assistance, and advocacy for women in Miami, particularly black women, who may be susceptible to abuse. They attempt to address the pressing issue of violence against women and build a safer, more equitable community through their programs, awareness campaigns, and policy lobbying. The striking artwork, as well as the participation of the Women’s Fund Miami organization, serves as a call to action, asking society to oppose violence against women, particularly those from the black minority population.
Logos (Logical Appeals)
The graphic expertly integrates logos to create a powerful and logical argument, highlighting the tremendous threats that marginalized people confront. The image’s statement acts as an intellectual spark, inviting viewers to engage in deep thought. It deftly dismantles the traditional assumption that being at home equals safety and brings into question the widely held belief that remaining silent equates to security (Mohamad 1314).
By raising this thought-provoking topic, the graphic encourages people to reconsider the ramifications of their inaction. It necessitates a rethinking of the deeply established concept that silence is a protective shield against damage. In doing so, it strategically emphasizes the critical need to increase awareness about the numerous risks that marginalized communities face.
The excellent use of reason in this graphic not only stimulates intellectual inquiry but also passionately advocates for social change. It uses the persuasive force of logical arguments to advocate a critical cause, urging viewers to examine their assumptions and biases. It skillfully leverages logos to mobilize citizens towards a more just and equitable society by highlighting the imbalances and risks faced by marginalized populations. In essence, this graphic shows rationality’s power as a spark for both introspection and activity.
Pathos (Emotional Appeals)
Pathos is used intentionally in the image to create a strong emotional response from the viewer. This is accomplished by capturing the spirit of a black woman’s visage, depicting her with a facial expression that exudes power, tenacity, and unshakable perseverance in the face of hardship. As such, this representation touches the viewer’s heart, creating empathy and promoting a connection with the challenges of marginalized populations. The woman’s calm yet determined demeanor exemplifies the human spirit’s ability to endure and persevere in the face of adversity.
This emotional connection piques viewers’ interest, creating a desire for change and social justice. Pathos elicits feelings; thus, the image urges people to take action and use their voices as a powerful force for positive change (Mohammed 1316). As such, this ad is a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and emotion in advocacy, compelling viewers to not only recognize the issues at hand but also to actively engage in the fight for a more just and equitable world.
Ethos (Ethical Appeals)
The artwork intentionally develops its ethical appeal by emphasizing individuals’ moral need to speak out against injustice. The appearance of a black woman is central to this appeal, and her picture serves as a powerful reminder of the need to support and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. By putting her in the spotlight, the photograph emphasizes the critical need to promote diversity and inclusion.
The forceful phrase “Speak Up,” is a call to action that connects with viewers’ sense of morality and is at the center of the ethical appeal. It invokes equality, justice, and activist values, portraying speaking up as more than a choice but a serious ethical responsibility (Voci 15). As a result, the image elevates advocacy and defense of oppressed populations as a core moral imperative.
Furthermore, the image draws on a larger ethical framework, reminding viewers of their responsibility to confront systematic injustices and prejudice. It inspires people to speak out for what is right and to offer their voices to those who have been marginalized and persecuted. Therefore, the ethical appeal of this image is compellingly aligned with ideas of social justice and moral responsibility, prompting viewers to act in solidarity with the marginalized and actively contribute to a more equal and just society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the image with the message, “If Staying Home Is More Dangerous, Speak Up,” is an example of visual rhetoric that effortlessly mixes logos, pathos, and ethos to make a compelling demand for individual action. This graphic inspires viewers to engage in introspection and critically analyzes their own behaviors and moral obligations when confronted with injustice by astutely engaging its target audience. Its importance stems from its brave challenge to existing society standards, its powerfully evocative appeal that induces emotions, and its unyielding conviction that silence is no longer acceptable in the face of domestic violence against women.
As such, people within a society can get a great understanding of the transforming power of such pictures in advocating for a more equal and just society via a complete investigation of this visual discourse. In this regard, it emphasizes the notion that every individual has the power to make a significant change, and it does so through a deft blend of reason, emotion, and ethics, making it an impassioned and compelling call to action that demands not only attention but also active participation in the pursuit of a fairer world.
Works Cited
Mohamad, Hairul Azhar. “Analysis of Rhetorical Appeals to Logos, Ethos and Pathos in ENL and ESL Research Abstracts.” Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), vol. 7, no.3, 2022, pp. 1314-1314. Web.
Voci, Denise. “Logos, Ethos, Pathos, Sustainabilitos? About The Role of Media Companies in Reaching Sustainable Development.” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 5, 2022, pp. 1-17. Web.