Throughout this unit, we have studied the different interpretations and meanings that can be taken from a visual text or image. Words are not necessary in order to effectively convey a message or idea to an audience. Photographers and artists may utilize many different elements within an image to portray an important message just like any author or journalist would use words. Some things can even be more powerful and leave a greater impact when no words are used and things are left up to one's interpretation. One example of this can be a powerful photo we learned about taken by Lynsey Addario portraying a moment of silence after the death of Lance Corporal Johnathan Taylor, who was killed in action on December 1st, 2009 in Afghanistan. This image holds a lot of resonance in the viewer for many reasons but Addario uses color, symbols, and abstraction to convey a powerful message that heroism can come from anyone.

In the photo taken by Addario, there appears to be many soldiers and doctors inside of a medical tent set up in Afghanistan for American soldiers to be taken when injured during battle. Everyone stands in silence with their hands crossed to honor a fallen hero, Corporal Johnathan Taylor. One's attention is immediately drawn to America's seal of glory draped over the hospital bed because red is a power color and because the American flag stands out like a sore thumb among the neutral green colors throughout the room. The fact that one's eyes are drawn to this mark of bravery at first glance of the photo means that it already will have a lasting effect among American citizens and anyone who respects the military. Moving past the flag, one's eye is then drawn to the blue colors of the hospital gloves worn by everyone in the room and the medical equipment hung right by the bed. This essence of medical strife and battle to save a soldier's life is brought forward by these elements. It is a strange sight to see any soldiers in uniform wearing hospital gloves so seeing this immediately makes one think that everyone had a hand in trying anything possible to save Johnathan's life. Seeing the equipment by the American flag also creates a huge contrast within the frame because the flag is not associated with any kind of weakness, whether big or small, but at the end of the day we are all human and can all leave this earth at any time. It brings a real aspect to the scene in this way. Finally, one is drawn to the sight of men and women in uniform and the camouflage stricken room. People view soldier's as these deities who are unbreakable and stronger than the average man when in reality we remain the same inside no matter our rank in society. Though tragic, a soldier can be taken down just like any other citizen, and that is easy to forget.

Along with color, Addario uses the symbols to leave a greater message to the viewer. The brain tends to associate certain symbols we see with certain meanings, whether good or bad, and when the brain can place its own meaning on an image, that image leaves a much more lasting impression. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the American flag is one of the most prominent aspects of this photograph. By placing the flag over the body, it immediately makes this scene so much heavier and harder to swallow. Seeing a soldier pass away is such a hard sight because these men and women seem so invincible. Even in death, they are bestowed with the highest praise and glory, symbolized here with the flag. When a symbol of such importance and bravery is placed in such a grim and dark scene, it automatically makes the scene so much more intriguing and meaningful. One wouldn't look at the flag and think of weakness or defeat so seeing it in this context is very powerful. Another symbol utilized in this photo is that a great number of the people in it are crossing their hands as if in appreciation of Johnathan Taylor's life and fight for our country. It seems as though many of them are in their own worlds and are praying about the situation they just encountered. This element brings forward the aspect that all of these people came together in an effort to save this man and after he died they all retreat to their own headspace to really comprehend what had just happened. It puts a much more real perspective on death and loss, which are both very common experiences that many people have, so capturing this helps to relate the image to a mass audience. When an image can be perceived by a mass amount of people, it holds more meaning.

Lastly, Addario uses abstraction to portray a powerful message through this image. The main usage of this property in the photo is by leaving the face and body of the deceased soldier unseen to those viewing the photo, thus creating an abstract idea that many people can relate to. When no face or name is put to the soldier, anyone who knows anyone who has passed away while in service will then imagine their loved one instead of Johnathan Taylor lying on that bed. By doing this, it makes the image hold a greater impact on people's emotions. Even if the person viewing the photo does not know anyone who has died in active duty, maybe they know a veteran or have a friend or relative who is serving overseas. If by some off chance the viewer knows no one in the military, leaving the soldier to be abstract will make the viewer hold a great appreciation for the United States Military and all of the work they do to keep our country safe and prosperous.

Visual texts can have a very powerful impact on a mass amount of people for many reasons but a very prevalent one is that many people can relate to things they can see. When many people can relate to something, it has a longer lasting effect and people begin to appreciate it for what its worth. Addario uses color, symbols, and abstraction to convey her message through the image but many other devices can be just as effective. Whether you stood next to someone dying in the battle field or have never known anyone in the military, any person viewing this photo can appreciate the struggle and strife that American soldiers go through to keep our country protected, and that is a powerful and lasting message to convey.

