Because of the pre-writing assignments and in-class activities, I felt that I was better prepared for completing Writing Project 1 (WP1) than I would have been in a traditional rhetoric class. I initially had difficulty finding an image that I found caught, and held, my attention. When searching through the National Geographic archives, I came across an article that I posed an interesting (and relevant) question, "Will your discarded TV end up in a ditch in Ghana?" Upon reading this I wondered, what does happen to all the electronics that we dispose of? I found the photo that accompanied this article captivating. It provided a glimpse into the process of electronic waste disposal process that I never considered before. After I found a worthy picture, I was ready to begin the writing process.
Developing a statement of purpose helped me strengthen the social and historical context in which my picture was created. Considering the question proposed by the article, a video on the rapid changes in technology that relates to Web 2.0 came to mind. I used my prior knowledge of technology to help me develop my argument. Upon completion of the statement of purpose, I had a general idea of what my argument would be. When I applied this knowledge to writing my first draft, I was a little too eager and included too much general information on technology that did not come directly from my image. For example, I didn't begin to incorporate my selected image specifically into my discussion until the fourth paragraph in! For my second draft, I had to trim down some of this general background information. I also discussed the social implications that my image spoke to, but failed to support these claims with evidence from my text. When I stated, "The benefits to society that technology creates can sometimes be overshadowed by the juxtaposition of the extreme waste that is produced from the cycle of consumerism that accompanies the latest technological advancements of consumer electronics," I didn't relate this to my image. For the next draft, I worked hard to ensure that each of the claims I made were supported directly from my image.
I originally thought that developing an argument would be the most difficult part of the assignment. After examining the elements of the image and learning the historical and social context in which the image was captured, an argument was easy to identify. My biggest challenge was making sure that each of the points I made within my analysis supported my thesis. There were many "smaller arguments" that I used to corroborate my thesis, but in my second draft, many of these smaller arguments were not arranged in a manner that communicated my thesis my audience. For the final draft, I had to organize my thoughts so that my argument would make sense. Writing is, ultimately, a recursive process, and the reviews and recommendations given to me by my peers provided me with appropriate feedback that allowed me to grow in this process.
Final Draft
Technology is changing our world. Technological advancements in communication have lead to an unbelievable increase in the mode and frequency of communication, making our planet seem a lot smaller. The development of the printing press, telegraph, telephone, phonograph, radio, television, cellular telephone, and Internet have removed obstacles of distance and time, allowing people who are literally worlds apart to transmit auditory, verbal, and visual messages nearly instantaneously. Indeed, technology is changing our world, making it necessary for us to adopt a multidimensional perspective.The picture above illustrates the global affects of technology in a way we seldom address. As our global community becomes more interconnected, the extent to which the actions of one culture can affect another increase. For example, a research study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published in the Energy Policy journal found a positive correlation between technology and energy use, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions (Environmental Research). Citizens of more developed countries must be more accountable for their contributions to these global issues. These issues, including technological waste, are altering the landscape of less developed countries, like Ghana. National Geographic photojournalist Peter Essick is skilled at capturing this consequence of human behavior in a graphic medium. By applying a critical lens and examining the rhetorical tactics used by the photographer in the image above, we will be reminded of the impact our individual actions have on others.
The framing of the image of the boy in the red shirt is one structural element that builds the overall logos of this text. The way that the photographer establishes the boundaries of the image can corroborate the argument as well. The proximity of the photographer to the boy is parallel to how close the audience is to this global issue. Each of our actions can affect other, even if they are miles away. Displacing an older computer model when we choose to purchase a newer one contributes to this global issue of technological waste. The composer of this text wants viewers to feel a part of the image, to represent that we are a part of the process and therefore a part of the problem.The observational hierarchy created by the cropping of the picture alerts the viewer to where attention should be focused next. The image is cropped so that the boy's torso and the load he carries are the only elements in the foreground. The vector of attention followed by the viewer begins at the mass of electronic wires and cords that are being carried on the boy's head. The tangle multicolored of cords are collected from the dumps where electronic devices are shipped to be recycled (Carroll). The accumulation of the wires speaks to the vast amount of electronics that are outmoded in more developed countries and sent out of sight and out of mind. The wires are also analogous to the diverse, densely populated world, where as a result of technology we are interconnected across the globe in ways previously unimaginable.
The visual path the viewer follows is now directed to boy's face. His gaze is pointed to the left, out of frame, even though the boy's head and body still face forward. The vector of attention follows his, and questions are raised about the argument that his focus of attention warrants. In this instance, the vector of attention created by the direction that he is peering, not only is an instance of logos, but speaks to the pathos, or emotional appeal, of the image also. To put this element of the image into context, cultural differences in eye contact should be accounted for. In many East African cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect. Is the boy showing respect to the western photographer because of his age or status? He might simply be keeping his focus on the long trip ahead and annoyed at the arrogance of this westerner who impeding his progress, after all time is money, even in the electronics recycling business. Each viewer has a unique set of experiences that determine which set of emotions may be evoked by the focus of the subject's eyes.
The red shirt that the boy wears is also builds upon the logos of the text. It is dirty and oversized, probably provides little protection from the hot Ghanaian sun. Color interpretations are also contingent on cultural background, so the emphasis of the boy's shirt, supporting logos by cropping, may also elicit an emotional response, supporting pathos. Red can symbolize courage and sacrifice, as this boy, if anything, is a hard worker with the courage to harvest wires from undesired electronics for survival. Even though he is young, he is working to put food on his family's table or clothing on their backs. Is he sacrificing a chance to recieve an education so he can give back to those around him, or is education not even a concern because his very survival contingent on his performance at this task? He is also demonstrating courage and sacrifice of his personal well being. The boy has the courage to put himself at risk, but then again he may have no choice. An article from the Lincoln Journal Star calls attention to how the "primitive" electronic waste, or e-waste, recycling process "includes toxic metals and acids" that "imperil [workers'] health." When workers come in contact with the electronic equipment, they are being exposed to many carcinogens. Will those who view this image that have contributed to the electronic waste that would harm so many have the courage to make a stand, reducing consumption of electronic goods?
The picture of the boy carrying a load on his head creates a visual analogy of the water bearer (see image to the left). In many less developed countries, there is little access to clean water. The electronics recycling According to the British Journal of Medicine, "contamination of water during collection, transport, and storage at home presents a serious risk to health for millions of households in developing countries." Women from both urban and rural areas in these countries sometimes have to walk miles to transport clean, drinkable water from the nearest eligible water source back to their community. This is an important job, as clean water is necessary for survival. Does the job the boy is doing have the same importance in his community? Because of the load he carries, he ensures survival for his community, similarly to the water bearer. Although he is young, he has an important role in his community. This contrasts with the role of most preteens and teenagers in more developed countries like America. How long will we take for granted the struggle that our peers in the global community have to endure?The changes technology brings to places like Accra, Ghana would be hard to visualize without images like this image of the boy, which create awareness of the negative impacts of technology. Is this communities unwitting involvement in this electronic recycling process such an adverse affect? A recent article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel cited that the adoption of an e-waste recycling program could "create up to 2,000 new jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for Wisconsin." Some would say that the export of used electronics for recycling provides jobs to many workers that would have none otherwise. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate the disposal of electronic waste, which is why the United States is able ship the worthless goods to someone else who will be bothered with them (Discover Magazine Blog). We might be able to shift the evidence of our own technological waste to another party, but we cannot deny the global interconnectivity, which means we will eventually have to come to terms with our actions.
It seems that technology has altered the course of human history. The impact that technology has on our world is not always favorable. The benefits to society that technology creates can sometimes be overshadowed by the juxtaposition of the extreme waste that is produced from the cycle of consumerism that accompanies the latest technological advancements of consumer electronics. This juxtaposition helps create an appeal to logos, and is evidenced in the image by the stark contrast between the boy and his burden in the foreground with the barren, earth-filled background. Comparing the technological debris and litter strewn on the ground when compared with the earth can evoke pathos also. Technology doesn't belong out in the elements. Electronics are viewed as clean, antiseptic, and synthetic. The earth is dusty and dirty, and natural. How can these two opposing views exist in the same environment? This line of questioning allows us to draw many parallels (global, environmental, philosophical, etc.) in the structural composition of this image. Can human kind continue to exist on earth, especially with the risk of impending overpopulation? Even though the virtual proximity of our global community has become more interconnected, the size of our global community has continued to increase. According to the most recent estimate by the US Census Bureau, the global population is estimated to be roughly 6.79 billion people, with many of the additional inhabitants resulting from the exponential population explosion occurring in most less developed countries. If our population continues to grow, with the situation represented in this image become more common? Can nature survive under the burden of technology or, more specifically, technological waste? We know that technology is constantly changing, but what will the next change consist of?
In reflecting on life in his book Unweaving the Rainbow, biologist Richard Dawkins once described the current period of human development, stating "After sleeping through a hundred million centuries we have finally opened our eyes on a sumptuous planet, sparkling with color, bountiful with life [...]." This insightful comment is applicable to the recent changes, resulting from technological advances, that have "opened our eyes" on a global scale. The changes in technology have led to new perspectives and information. This increased knowledge of the world that surrounds us shifts our understanding of issues, both in a local and global context. Technological advancements can be a two-edged sword, both beneficial and unfavorable. As global citizens, we should be aware of the far-reaching effects of technology. A tangle of cords can serve as a simple reminder of the interconnectivity of our actions.Works Cited
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