The photograph depicting a teenage boy mourning over the death of one of his friends was shown on an article in the New York Times detailing the increase in gang related violence in Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend in the summer of 2013. Therefore, the audience of this photograph is clearly readers of the New York Times, a very diverse group of individuals who look at the Times to learn what is going on in our country. This picture was added to create a dismal mood for the article. The people reading this article were probably having a great time with their families, enjoying the fireworks with their communities. When they read this article however, they learned that instead of making memories with their loved ones, a lot of people in Chicago were mourning over the loss of their loved ones. Most of the people in this audience are oblivious to the fact that of all major cities in the U.S., Chicago had the most homicides in 2012 due to gun violence and gang activity. Instead of just pointing out statistics, the New York Times added pictures like these to show how lost and disconnected this city can be. A scene such as this is too common in the most dangerous areas of Chicago. The author(s) of this article wanted to inform the public about the tragedies taking place in hopes that it may help inspire a change in legislation that would limit gun rights. Furthermore, the author wanted the change to get a backing from the general public. (edit)
-Derien Scott
I agree that the audience for the New York Times is very diverse, although in general it appears to be older, educated adults who may even have kids of their own around the age of the teenager who was fatally shot (http://nytmediakit.com/online). Because of this, the author may have even strategically published the photo in the New York Times in attempts to gain public backing in the appeal for stronger legislation.
ReplyDeleteI find it compelling how the pictures of mourners were used instead of statistics in order draw out emotion in the audience. It is also important to note how uninformed we all are in regards to gang-related crimes even in our own cities. However, you noted how the author(s) main goals was for the people to fight for change. Rather, can the picture be meant to evoke a change in legislation in contrast to a change in heart for normal citizens?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Now that I am rereading my post and the article, I see that the authors main purpose was to invoke a change in legislation and to get a backing from the public to make that change. Thank you!
DeleteI agree with what you have to say about how the author(s) used this image to draw in the attention of the audience and induce an emotional connection. You talked most about how the picture relates to homicides, but didn't really focus on the main message of the article, which I believe is exigence related to gun control laws.
ReplyDelete