Statistic About the March On Washington

There were an estimated 250,000 people at the March on Washington in 1963. This picture gives a glimpse to how many people that is by effectively using the perfect angle to show the group as a whole as well as a few individuals. The fact that so many people were unleashing so much emotion at once to fight for their rights showed the need for change in legislation during that time period. 250,000 (and possibly more) people wouldn't get together like this to fight for a cause if the cause was not legitimate. This amount of people marching together hand in hand, yelling for their rights and forcing the government to action proved their point more than any statistic could have.

Gang Wars

These statistics pretty much sum up the logos in the rhetorical situation. The purpose of the article this picture was posted on was to get backing on legislation that would change gun rights. Chicago's murder rate, although steadily decreasing, is number one amongst major cities in America. This fact should be enough to at least reconsider legislation related to guns. Just in case it wasn't the writer(s) added this picture to create a sense of urgency for change in legislation. This exigence is provided by showing just how real this problem is. By providing an isolated example, they prove the existence of a serious problem even more so than they would have if they had simply stated a statistic about these murders. The picture and statistics discussed in the article provide the background for the valid argument that people need to start backing legislation altering gun rights in Chicago.

Mood in March on Washington

The mood in the March on Washington photo is very serious yet inspiring. One can note many inspiring aspects of the photo, such as how the crowd is holding hands and singing in unison. In addition, the black and white of the photo really makes the mood more serious. If the photo were very bright and cheery, it would totally change the mood to more uplifting and cheery rather than serious. Moreover, the mood helps enforce the main message of this photo. Since the mood is more serious, it helps convey the message of how the African Americans are fighting a serious injustice in the 1960s. The mood is a very important aspect in this photo as it helps hint at the main message and helps the audience have certain reactions. For this photo in specific, the audience may feel empowered since the mood is very serious yet moving.

A Holiday in Chicago

There are two main points of ethos in the Chicago picture: the placement of the picture and the overall setting of the picture. First, the picture being posted to head an article on the New York Times add ethos to the picture because the New York Times has been delivering news to the people since the 1850s. This newspaper could have gotten any photo they wanted to represent this article but the writer(s) felt this was the best picture to describe the mood and ideas being presented in the article. The setting of the picture also adds ethos to the picture. Being in "Chiraq", anyone who lives in Chicago knows that this scene is all too common in certain areas where gang violence is prominent. Also, it is common knowledge to most that a memorial on a sidewalk implies that a person was killed there or somewhere nearby. The flowers, balloons and other items suggest that there are many people who cared for her and show how this death has, at least in some way, affected the community. Finally, this picture being taken on the Fourth of July weekend, a holiday of celebration and jubilance adds ethos to the picture. While most people were having fun with their families, watching fireworks, and barbecuing this teenage boy was alone, mourning over his lost friend. Pictures and stories like these create a sense of urgency because of the drastic contrast between what people expected to see and what they ended up seeing in the news for this holiday.

-Derien Scott

Seeing is Believing

Credibility comes from many different places, some intentional and some accidental. Often it is said that seeing is believing. The photographer took advantage of this by using a photo to show the event. The very nature of a photo innately establishes credibility for the viewers because it is hard to fabricate, especially in that time period. The close proximity to the subjects also suggests that the photographer was right next to the people and witnessed the event (or maybe even took part), which reassures the audience of its authenticity as well. Lastly, the importance and fame of the event at which the photo was taken, the March on Washington, makes the picture seem very real. It is hard to argue that this photo is anything but legitimate.

Strong Emotions in Chicago

In the photo of the boy mourning, there is a very strong sense of emotion that the audience may feel. The most prominent emotions would probably be sympathy and pity for the boy, as the powerful image is extremely somber and depressing. In addition, an more angry emotion could be present if the audience knows the story behind the picture. The audience could feel outraged at how the teenager died; she was an African American shot by another African American. Moreover, the audience could be outraged at Chicago's gun laws and could want to have stricter laws. In fact, according to The New York Times, there has been a lot more "political pressure...put on [Chicago] Mayor Rahm Emanuel." The pathos in this photo is so strong that it may even make one tear up at the items left by the tree close to where the teen was murdered. There are several balloons, teddy bears, and flowers that really make a lasting impression on how serious and sad this event was. This photo evokes a range of emotions but has an overall dominant emotion of gloom and depression.

Strong Pathos in the March on Washington

The emotion in this photograph is extremely moving and empowering. Knowing that the message behind the picture is of fighting injustice and racial barriers evokes a very moving response. In addition, one may even feel empowered at this photo since the African Americans are progressing towards equality and freedom. The somber look on the African American's faces also contributes to the pathos of this photograph; it makes the audience feel frustrated at the conditions in the 1960s. Moreover, one may even feel a sense of relief at the fact that times have changed and African American's are now equal and have much better lives than in the 1960s. On the other hand, this photo could also make African American's feel bitter or even angry at the fact that a March on Washington even had to take place. African Americans, and even non-African Americans viewing this photo could be reminded of the terrible conditions in the 1960s (including Jim Crow laws and other racial barriers). There are several different emotions that this photo induces because the topic of Civil Rights is such a strong topic.