Visual Rhetoric Presentation By: Amber Archey

What is going on in the photograph?

A man is being beaten by two armed and uniformed men while everyone else looks in the opposite direction.

What is the first thing you notice when you look at the picture?

What draws attention to the eye first is the closest uniformed man What draws attention to the eye first is the closest uniformed man. He is surrounded by the large dark circle of dirt, which contrasts the light that is shining on his back. His body is spread out in the center of the photo and the fact that he is in action also helps draw attention to his position.

Is the photograph balanced?

The photo is balanced. The focal point is the center of the picture and it radiates equally in all directions. 

Where do you think this picture was made?

This picture seems to have been made in an impoverished region This picture seems to have been made in an impoverished region. I would guess it was made in an African country.

What do you think the people in the picture symbolize?

The uniformed men symbolize the government of the impoverished nation The uniformed men symbolize the government of the impoverished nation. The victim symbolizes the citizens that live there and how they are treated as if they have no rights. Their government beats them down, physically and emotionally. The people with their backs turned symbolize how people are desensitized, unconcerned and unsympathetic towards others with different cultural and racial backgrounds.

What is the ethical appeal?(Ethos)

Amnesty International is a non profit organization, founded in 1961, that researches and tries to prevent human right violations, and stand up for those who have had their rights violated.

What is the emotional appeal?(Pathos)

You're supposed to sympathize with the victim You're supposed to sympathize with the victim. It tries to make you feel sorry for the man being beaten open your eyes to what's out there so you will become more appreciative and join the effort to help others gain their rights.

What is the logical appeal?(Logos)

All the people with their backs turned look like they are of European or Asian descent. They seem to be middle class people based on their overall appearance. Together, they form a barrier around the three men in the center which illustrates how they disregard what doesn't concern them.

Background information: Part of an Amnesty International Campaign that began in New Zealand Published September 16, 2010 Agency: Colenso BBDO, Auckland Group Head: Angela Watson Photographer: Henry Jen

Jen, Henry. Beating, Execution, Rebels. 27 Jun. 2010.                  Auckland, New Zealand. Amnesty International. Web. 1      Nov. 2011.