David Rayner

Course: RWS 1301

Professor: Rebekah Jerabek

Visual Analysis Proposal

Description:
The image I chose, La Juene Fille a la Fleur, is a photograph taken by Marc Riboud on
October 21, 1967, during a protest at the pentagon, due to U.S. citizens frustrations with the
preceding military conflict in Vietnam. The image immediately sparked my interest because of
its surreal substantial impact; this iconic photograph entails the fine line between love and hate.
This topic relates to my course because of the visual analysis that can be translated to a much
more complex issue. It also enables me to use the three rhetorical concepts of Ethos, Pathos, and
Logos to interpret the image, and provide a clear and concise informational paper that underlines
the prominent features of the image.
Research Question:
By using visual analysis, we are able to interpret what we see on a much grander scale. An image
can speak at a multitude of volumes, but it is our own personal interpretation that can lead to
various amounts of research. My research question is, How were social movements in the1900s,
able to defy and effectively able to manage, with the U.S. governments undeniable authority,
and the censorship in TV broadcast stations and news agencies? Answering this question might
help better my understanding of the successes and failures many historic social movements
faced, while being diverted and oppressed.
Thesis Statement:
I have obtained an adequate amount of information regarding historical social movements, but
believe I need to look into further depth and magnify the main structural components. I believe
the reason why movements tend to succeed is due to their conformed unity and honest
leadership. I think that future movements need to evaluate historical movements effectiveness.
Questions should be asked like, What can be derived from historical movements, to help our
establishment/movement?
Preview Your Argument:
Approaching this topic will prompt several challenges, so it is important that I am thorough and
deliberate, keeping in mind my audience. First, I would like to introduce some historical
movements that have succeeded. Secondly, I would like to introduce some historical movements
that have failed. Thirdly, I would like to introduce a comparative analysis of the two, and help
the reader understand their conformities. Finally, I would conclude with the overall results and
explain my findings in greater detail. This systematic approach may change as I gather more
information.
Preliminary List of Sources:
Being objective can be difficult, especially when discussing historical topics. Many books, news
articles, and news agencies have an agenda, they abide by their authorities rules and stipulations.

This can prompt challenges in writing. However, for this a paper I will be as mindful as possible
and use as many resources as I can.
References/Citations:
http://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/Handouts/HowtoWriteaPaperProposal.pdf
http://www.lomography.com/magazine/254925-influential-photographs-la-jeune-fille-a-lafleur-1967-marc-riboud
https://competitionrhetoric.wordpress.com/2012/12/02/la-jeune-fille-a-la-fleur-kasmir-vpentagon/
http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/10-movements-that-changedamerica-movements/11/4/2011/id/37721
http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2096654_2096653_2096692,0
0.html

Image
La Jeune Fille a la Fleur, 1967 by Marc Riboud