This image is a very important image from World War 2,
depicting Uncle Sam asking citizens of the U.S. to enlist for the army.
Multiple characteristics actually make this picture quite persuasive. For
example, the whole poster is only in red, white, and blue colors, giving off a
feeling of patriotism. Furthermore, the fact that the man in the picture is
Uncle Sam and not just some random person gives it even more of a patriotic
feeling. These two visual choices allow the viewer to feel more closely connected
to America, which can help cause the viewer to enlist in the army.
In terms of layout, Uncle Sam is centered, the words are mostly balanced, and the colors are balanced too, giving the picture a harmonic organization.
However, the word "you" is slightly bigger than the other words, and redder, making it stand out. This effect is combined with perhaps the most visually powerful part of the picture - the pointing finger. The word "you" and the pointing finger together attempt to cause the viewer to feel as if he is being singled out, and as if he has an obligation to his country to enlist in the army. It also makes the viewer feel important and special, which can further cause the viewer to be more likely to enlist in the army.
I chose this picture because every time I think of a rhetorically powerful image I always think of this one. I've seen it so many times, and the fact that Uncle Sam is pointing at you makes it very convincing. Also, if you picture yourself in the 1940's looking at this poster, it becomes much more effective due to the events of WWII. Unlike most posters that ask you for assistance, this one makes it seem as if it is your duty and obligation to perform a task, which in my opinion is probably the best way to get a large group of people to act for a cause.
In terms of layout, Uncle Sam is centered, the words are mostly balanced, and the colors are balanced too, giving the picture a harmonic organization.
However, the word "you" is slightly bigger than the other words, and redder, making it stand out. This effect is combined with perhaps the most visually powerful part of the picture - the pointing finger. The word "you" and the pointing finger together attempt to cause the viewer to feel as if he is being singled out, and as if he has an obligation to his country to enlist in the army. It also makes the viewer feel important and special, which can further cause the viewer to be more likely to enlist in the army.
I chose this picture because every time I think of a rhetorically powerful image I always think of this one. I've seen it so many times, and the fact that Uncle Sam is pointing at you makes it very convincing. Also, if you picture yourself in the 1940's looking at this poster, it becomes much more effective due to the events of WWII. Unlike most posters that ask you for assistance, this one makes it seem as if it is your duty and obligation to perform a task, which in my opinion is probably the best way to get a large group of people to act for a cause.
