Assignment #1 (Framing Fun =D )

Media profoundly affects us all; it is simply too prominent in our society not too. Those who control it know this, and are acutely aware of the implied potential; and they make use of this potential by framing. This framing is the single most effective way in which media influences us.

Framing is the presentation, or omission, of information in a way that makes us feel a certain way towards what is shown. It is the lighting, the coloring, the positioning of a thought or object to elicit a particular reaction by the viewer. It is often subtle, since, in this way, it is far more effective. If the masses easily recognized when their media framed for a specific purpose, its credibility and potency would be lost. However, if it is subtle enough, the consumer will be led to view an idea in a predetermined way, and under the belief that it was their consciousness that spawned the judgment. If such views appear to be self-inspired, the attachment and belief in them is far greater.

Advertising is notorious for such persuasive framings, but a more poignant example is the famous photo of the soldiers raising the flag on Iwo Jima. Here the photographer shows us a cohesive group of men raising the flag over the island. The act causes us to believe that this is an image of victory, that the battle is won. The bareness of the landscape around them also instills the viewer with a sense of peace; the fighting is done, all is well. However, at the time the photo was taken the fight was far from finished. In fact, three of the photographed soldiers were killed soon after the picture was taken. The state of the island was one of chaos, Japanese soldiers entrenched, hidden inside the island were giving the US troops hell from all sides. By no means was a peaceful scene of victory. The photograph instilled in the viewer an understanding of the situation contrary to the truth. The question then is why the deception? A simple explanation was that the US government was looking for a way to boost the morale of the citizens. As time tells us, it does not take long for nation to become weary of war, and the govt. needs popular support for an effective war effort. What the people needed was to feel as if the war may soon end and that they could hope for their sons’ safe return. This piece of media fulfilled that desire. It did so by framing, by the intentional omission of the true horrors of the Pacific and misrepresenting just how well the fight was going; and it worked. This image continues to instill patriotism, and is widely used from school reports to advertising campaigns.

Framing is an effective way to influence masses, it can be used to sell soda or promote a war. It can because we are a visual people. When we see certain things that make us feel certain ways. The media powers that be learned this, and use to influence us for better or worse.

*(Image citation):

Vic. The Flag Raising at Iwo Jima. Digital image. Art & History Tour. PBS Art, 29 May 2010.

Web. 12 Sept. 2010. .