- Why is visual literacy important?
In the same way that it is important to be able to understand things that read, it is important to understand the images that we see. The recent ad campaigns by both Obama and McCain are good examples of how we are manipulated by images. in McCain's ads, they use images that make Obama look frustrated and angry - even like a dictator. This goes in hand with the fears that they are trying to capitalize on that he is a socialist and a person to fear. Obama uses pictures of McCain that make him look silly or stupid. This plays on the idea that Obama has that he is "loosing it" or erratic.
- Should visual literacy be a focus in education? Why or why not?
It should be. We should be able to decode the images used in ads as well as in the news. A section in an English class to focus on ads and media, as well as art photography and cinema, would be a good way to tackle this aspect of our lives. - In terms of visual representations, are there double standards for women and men? Explain your answer.
People want to look their best, and people buy into media often based on how attractive the people associated with it are. Women are more exploited than men are usually, but it exists on both sides. I think that Palin was picked in large part because she is attractive, and I cannot even imagine a man picked for similar reasons. This is the culture that we live in - I have seen a study that shows that even women are more likely to buy something with a beautiful women on it than anything else, so maybe its a self inflicted double standard. Companies will do whatever they need to in order to sell more product.
