Reading Response-Week #5-Visual Argument

Reading Response Week#5-Visual Argument
Question#1
This set of advertisements while appealing to all people is really trying to get through to the younger crowd, those who are easily swayed. The photos are related to what younger people can identify with. They are trying to get through to them emotionally, visually and mentally. They are not only saying don’t do drugs, they are imploring them to do something about it.

The “courage” advertisement which shows a young, black couple on a city street with the statement that “He might dump me. He’ll think I’m judging him. But I care about him” is hitting on a couple of factors. One is the fact that being in a relationship is important to teenagers. It’s telling them that it is OK; have the courage to confront someone you care about with their drug problems. It is worth possibly losing your relationship if you can save someone. The second thing it is hitting on is that inner city youth have a higher chance of becoming addicted to drugs. By using the photos and captions, the ad is drawing the viewer in emotionally, visually and mentally. It is very effective. The “regret” ad is visually gripping. The image of the bent, pink bicycle tire and the heading which is sad and simple in its message will get through to most people; smoke weed and you will be so impaired that you can kill someone. The next set of ads depicts how television and newspapers portray young people. But the headings show that these are not what typical young people are like-they have accomplished many things and all of them have chosen not to do drugs and alcohol no matter how much pressure they may get from those around them. It is effectively telling young people that it is OK not to be like everyone else.

I found all three sets of advertisements very appealing and down to earth. I thought they were all effective in their message: Don’t do drugs and alcohol and if you know someone who is, confront them and help them.