Reflection

Part 1:

            It is very simple to describe my visual argument, just think of the word “jump.” Jump out of a plane, jump for a header, a jump shot, or jump with friends. Several pictures can show the physical action of jumping, but other pictures can show an argument that jumping can mean other things than the actually physical activity. Jump, as in take a risk or a big step in life, can be shown with pictures of getting married, having a baby, learning to drive, or buying your first car. The video actually starts out with just the physical activity to catch the eye of the viewer and let them understand what is being discussed. Midway through the video is when pictures of someone proposing and getting married come into play.

Part 2:

            An argument needs to have “truth value” according to Anthony J. Blair in “The Possibility and Actuality of Visual Arguments.” Truth-value is when an argument can be affirmed or rejected. Blair uses the argument that saying, “yuck” is not an argument because it cannot be nor affirmed or denied, but “this steak taste like shoe leather” can be affirmed and denied. This is shown within my visual argument when the pictures of physical jumping change to jumping as a different form. My visual argument just doesn’t say, “jump” physically, but it also says take a jump for marriage, or take a jump and have a baby. The two different views of jump can both be accepted or rejected as Blair mentions. (Blair)

Part 3:

            Just because the argument presented in my video is not verbal, it still is aloud to be argued. The way I use many pictures also can used to make an argument. “The concept of argument has two implications of importance to the present discussion.” (Blair) The reason for this visual argument is to prove that jump means more than to do a physical activity. This is shown within the production when pictures of non-physical jumping activities are being viewed. They can successfully be shown when a picture of a couple getting married appears. Getting married is a huge jump in someone’s life. You are no longer just dating, but now you are legally bound to one another until “death due us part,” that is a huge commitment right there. There are many risks that can be taken by getting married, which is why it is considered a “jump.”

Part 4:

            The thing about jump is that it is a very common physical activity. Therefore many viewers of this production may already know there will be pictures of people jumping in the air, because that is the most frequent use of the word jump. Pictures of athletes jumping and girls jump roping are expected to be in this visual argument. Although they are expected, they are necessary in supporting the argument to show the other side of the argument is different than actual jumping. Without these photos, this visual production would not be an argument because there would only be one implication of importance being discussed.

Part 5:

            In order for an argument to be logical the depicted elements need to be in spatially organized arrangements. (Kress) This means in a verbal argument, and even a visual argument. If we speak with a beginning, a middle, and an end, a visual argument needs this as well. In this visual argument “Jump” is ordered with in a certain way to be logical as well. It starts with the physical activity of jumping, then moves to taking jumps in life. The transition between the two helps understand the message because the viewer can clearly see the two sides of the argument.

Part 6:

            Visual productions can be very successful in making a logical argument. This can be proven true by watching my visual argument “Jump.” Viewing an argument can enhance the viewer’s perception of the argument being discussed with photos or videos on the topic. These images can do exactly what writing does, which is present an argument and explain, but with great visual detail. It is a perfect alternative to writing a paper because it has a better impact than a written argument. The images can put the person in the argument and see the experiences visually, rather than read or listen and try to picture what is being discussed. The visual production is perfect for arguments because they are easier to absorb than a verbal argument, plus it is more entertaining to watch a visual argument than read an argument.