Think Green

Agent: From a 2008 English writing class

Act: Beneath the rubble and garbage is a plant sprouting, showing that by thinking green we can break through the garbage building up, and turn the planet into a better place. Nature is in trouble, and one way to help it out is reduce this giant pile of garbage. Obviously, we are never going to get rid of garbage. However, reducing our amount of garbage, going green and recycling are all small things that have a huge impact on the environment.

Agency: It is a photo, however it is most likely staged so the lighting and arrangement of items is perfect.

Scene: It is to promote recycling and reducing our amount of garbage, because this may be what the planet looks like in the future (life merely poking through piles of garbage).

Purpose: To encourage recycling and going green.

       This picture has a strong visual argument, however some of the reasoning behind it is not because of what is in the picture, but rather what draws the reader in to the picture. The plant is centered in the middle, giving the clear impression that that is what is to be focused on. The garbage surrounding the plant is colorful, unlike real garbage. I think it would be a better statement if the garbage was lacking color and dirty, while the plant was more lively. The bright colors provide contrast between the garbage, the plant and the sky, allowing reader to focus on each component fully and individually. If everything was dirty and grungy looking, then it would be hard to distinguish each piece of the picture. The solid blue backgrounds shows that is is outside, however does nothing more than provide a contrasting enough color to make the other components stand out, but do not distract the reader from the main point. If you observe the garbage, all of them are crinkled up just enough and positioned so that you are unable to see any of the labels. This is helpful in the argument because it does not advertise or target any specific companies, rather just referring to garbage in general.

     The argument in this article can be looked at in many different ways. It could be saying that this may be the future if we continue on the path we're on because the garbage will overtake and consume the life. Soon, rather than grass on the ground with the occassional piece of garbage scattered throughout, it will be all garbage and there will be the small, occassional piece of life poking through. The fear of what become of the futurue will encourage more to recycle. It could also be looked as at life and nature will persevere no matter what we put it through, but either way to help nature out this picture inspires us to recycle and "think green" so no one will have to see this sight.