Visual Symbols Part 2

My thoughts about visuals has changed significantly. I didn't know how many visuals were in my everyday life and how I overlooked them so much. I knew of all the visuals but I did not know that I was seeing them so often. One thing I have started to notice more are people's expressions when they talk. I am able to see what people are feeling by their facial expressions. I was always very shy and never really paid attention to people's faces when they were talking or walking by. I watch people's faces now when talking to them or when we go out somewhere. I went to concert with my family, roommate, and her boyfriend. I loved just watching my roommate's boyfriends face because he has never been to concert and he was amazed. His eyes got really big and he was enjoying himself so much. It was a great experience. Not to mention the whole concert was a visual. The lights and dancing. It was truly amazing.























Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carbonnyc/2206470413/sizes/m/in/photostream/


I also learned that visuals in American can have different meanings to other countries. You have to be careful at what signs you make with your hands or face. People in other countries may take it the wrong way. One action in America may be very disrespectful in another country. It is always good to check out the place you are traveling to see what traditions and customs they have so you are not overstepping boundaries.














Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bitzi/193922475/

Overall, I have had a very enjoyable experience in Visual Literacy this semester. I learned a lot about visuals and what they mean in our daily lives. I also had a lot of fun making projects to save the world and find pictures to describe a word. It was a lot of fun!

Killing Us Softly

After watching the video Killing Us Softly my eyes were opened to how serious the issue of stereotyping is in advertising.There are so many ways that women are stereotyped in today's world. It was eye opening to see what used to be said about women in magazines and commercials. I think in today's world that it is not as bad as it used to be. We were asked to bring in advertising that was stereotyped and I have been having a hard time trying to find anything in the magazines I was looking through. Things back then we more stereotyped in my opinion and women were thrown under the bus so to speak. Men had little stereotyping but it was still seen in some cases. Men were shown as the higher all ranking power. Women were used to house work or being "slaves" to men. It was just sad to see some of the things that were in captions next to pictures. I felt really hurt as a female. I'm glad things are a little better today.

Visual Symblos in My Life

Did you ever "stop" to think that a stop sign is a visual symbol? It tells us to wait for other cars to go through the intersection. It keeps us safe. It allows for pedestrians to cross the street.

What about a vacancy sign?


A vacancy sign tells us whether or not there is room in the motel for travelers to stop and stay.

Or even the sun?


A sunrise tells us it is morning. That it is time to wake up. It is the start of a brand new day.

Visual symbols are everywhere. Some are obvious while others are not caught right away. I see visuals everyday. There are photos in room of my friends, reminding me of how much I they mean to me and I to them. I walk next door and notice the bathroom is closed for cleaning, meaning I cannot go in. I walk to class and know when a car is stopped, it's okay for me to walk. Everything around me can be used as a visual.

Visuals are very important to me. I love to walk outside and see all of the scenery and take it all in. There are so many visuals around us that most do not even recognize. We use visuals everyday whether we know it or not.