Since the beginning of this class this past September, rhetoric has probably been the most talked about topic. We come a long way from having no clue what rhetoric is to learning that ‘everything involves rhetoric’ because it is used to persuade our decisions. Both subconsciously and unconsciously. In text, ads, games, etc. Rhetoric is not simply digital which allows us to communicate through many different media platforms. It is also visual. Images are means of communication. We can simply look at a picture visually and describe its meaning because images are representations of texts. Notice that when you’re driving on the road, or using a GPS app, many directions are not giving in actual text. They often use images.
In Doug Eyman’s book Defining and Locating Digital Rhetoric, he states that visual rhetoric parallels digital rhetoric. “It is an example of a discrete set of methods and theories that are available to use within the digital rhetoric content.” They are however a bit different in the way that digital rhetoric is mainly communication in the digital sphere. And visual rhetoric can be both. Since there are different techniques and approaches to use when analyzing an image, Roland Barthes, in his book, The Rhetoric of the Image, says. “Wherein he examines the question of where meaning resides in the image and how we might analyze it using a semiotic approach.” Every sign and symbol that are visible in an image, carries their own meaning.
The Hooks Between Humans and Devices!
The chosen image above literally screams the way we live our lives. It’s a representation of how we connect to our phones and other electronic devices. So much so that they become part of our identity, even if we fail to realize it. The fact that the image only includes the hands and the phone tied together with no actual face or other individuals in it, speaks volumes. Most of the time when we are using our phones, we completely lose ourselves in it. And also other people in the process. Even when we are within close proximity to one another. Whether we are at work, in class, or sitting at the dinner table with our family. I understand that because of the progression of technology, it is almost impossible to accomplish any task without it. However, the representational image should not be a way to live our lives.
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