Visual+Literacy

 The image presented for the Visual Literacy essay was showing how over the top Americans are with their protein intake. I noticed the icons shown on the chart, a burger (probably a Big Mac) and a bucket of KFC, neither of which is healthy for anyone in excessive amounts. Upon reading the numbers in the chart, it was pretty clear to me that this was calling out America on its excessive consumption of protein in the form of hot dogs, Big Macs and KFC. I gathered that information based solely on what was printed in the image, nothing else.  I see the design as being positive for this image, as it is conveying the intended message to the person viewing it. The use of repetitive boxes with consumption facts aided in making this appealing and created the feeling in me that the next box held even more pertinent information. The colors were smooth and did not distract me from the text in the boxes and I feel that this was intentional on the parts of those who created the image. Overall, I feel that this image is showing us how much protein based fast-food Americans eat and if you think about the repercussions of over consumption, obesity being one of them, this image may also be calling out America on its obesity problem.  This image was pretty well done and I don’t know of any place where I would make changes. I would however consider adding another image/chart showing the growing rate of obesity in American since the incarnation of fast-food. That could be a very interesting side by side comparison to show. Other than that, I feel that this image did a good job of conveying a message to the viewer.

Reflection
Visual Literacy is very good way to convey messages via the use of images, colors and various messages inserted within. The definition is: This was an informative project and showed me some ways that you can use imagery and the likes to convey ideas. While this idea is nothing that new to me, it was interesting to learn about the thought process that goes into creating these images. Using Visual Literacy in the classroom could be a fun way to have students decipher messages in the images, colors, and text. It would help students analytical and comprehension skills.
 * the ability to recognize and understand ideas conveyed through visible actions or images (as pictures) **