Visual Analysis American Red Cross

The image shown was taken not long after a devastating tornado. It depicts a young woman embracing a Red Cross volunteer. The text on the Red Cross Disaster Relief vest is intentionally visible in the photograph. The massive amount of destruction in the frame allows the viewer to get a glimpse of how much damage a tornado can cause. Conversely, the grief stricken young woman being comforted by the volunteer is the main focus of the shot. The expression and posture of the woman who is the victim show that she has experienced loss because of the tornado. The photograph is meant to spread awareness of the devastation of natural disasters, as well as to exhibit the selfless acts of the American Red Cross volunteers in order to encourage people …show more content…
The expression on the victim’s face paired with the wreckage in the background illicit a reaction of sympathy, sadness and compassion. These emotions can even lead to a sense of guilt over having more fortunate circumstances, moving the viewer to a desire to support the organization financially and otherwise. Seeing the embrace between the two women adds to this appeal. It is touching, heartwarming. The next appeal is to the ethics of the viewer. The character of the volunteer is emphasized. She is not merely on the scene for utilitarian purposes, but is giving moral support to a woman who is probably a complete stranger, but who represents the community as a whole. This type of appeal is especially effective to those who have experienced similar tragedy or know those who have. Another less obvious appeal in this image is to logic. The words on the volunteer’s vest are not fully in view, yet anyone who sees them knows they read, “Disaster Relief” and that this person is affiliated with an organization. Without that little bit of factual information this image would lose some of it’s appeal. It’s main purpose would go unnoticed. The viewer could only speculate who the woman worked, so for credit would not go where credit is