RA 3: Visual Art

Visual Rhetoric needs to evoke an emotion or plea to logic or authority insomuch that the viewer does something afterwards. This picture did more for the cause of refocus and rebuild after 9/11 than any other single depiction. Like the Iwo Jima flag raising did for renewed patriotism after the country went through a very long and painful war, the flag raised by some of the most courageous and patriotic professionals in America hit every persuasion with a single image. Most people have seen this image as it was broadcast on newspapers magazines and almost every other printed medium whether electronic or palatable. It targeted every American; young, old, rich, poor, male, female… every American is needed to complete unity. It unifies the country with a single purpose, to rebuild and refocus our collective efforts with the depiction of raising the flag above the turmoil that has beset us. The flag by itself evokes a sense of patriotism and pride; we have all been indoctrinated with this sentiment and respect over a lifetime of history lessons. One may disagree with current political policies but to disagree that America is a great place to live would exclude them as an audience because they would live in another country not flooded with this image. The rubble behind the flag raising and the dusty and dirty clothes worn by the flag raisers reignites the passion that each felt when the towers fell. It reminds us that the towers truly fell and the thousands truly died. The firemen are an authority as they are among the few who ran into the falling towers and not away from them. They subject themselves day in and out to dangerous situations for the betterment of the society, they know that this country is great and strive to return quickly to a great America, obviously done with devout cooperation. A cynic may attack the image and say that the firemen received some kind of compensation for this action to raise public awareness and amiability toward government and America. One of those or any fireman would probably punch that cynic right in the face for his lack of faith and disrespect. The logic in raising or building up after a crisis is overwhelming but sometimes difficult for the normal person. It takes a large amount of insight and perspective to do something rational after something so irrational happens. The renewed patriotism and faith and cooperation were the best thing that could have happened post 9/11 because it could have easily become chaotic and unruly with distrust and accusations and apathy running rampant.