Visual Thinking.
George quotes William Costanzo, an expert in film, in her article. She does so because of his thoughts on how film and images are closely linked to writing. In his view, visual thinking, or thinking in terms of design, is a “way of understanding the written word” (24). This concept is one that is helpful to me personally, for I often think in terms of images and how I wish to present those images when I am writing. As I know I’m not alone in being a visual learner, this is certainly helpful in comprehending George’s text.
Visual Argument.
George also mentions J. Anthony Blair’s theories on visual arguments. In his view, arguments could be made entirely on nonverbal, visual communication. While George disagrees with eliminating text entirely, her inclusion of this theory provides food for thought. How often are we convinced by an argument merely by an image? How can we most powerfully and effectively use images?
Mass Media.
In the introduction to George’s argument, she quotes William Boutwell in his assertion that mass media is a “force beyond human control” (qtd. on 18). Mass media itself is the simultaneous application of multiple modes of media, a few examples being newspapers, online periodicals, and podcasts. However, it isn’t enough to understand mass media’s definition. What makes the term so important is its effect on communication. Simply because mass media has operated so widely, new literacies are developing and demanding that education adapts to the changes. To understand the full strength of George’s argument, one must understand the causes that led to visual media’s prevalence.
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