Edgar 1 Alex Edgar Professor M.

Aylen Writing 2121G 26 January, 2012 Interactions of Visual and Verbal Elements

The interactions between visual and verbal aspects are specifically placed in a newspaper article for the reader to draw to a particular conclusion. The images, word choice, and examples the author and newspaper place within the article are chosen and work together to strengthen an intended argument. The Gazette article by Jenna Leifso, UWO Status Symbols argues that certain clothing, bags, and accessories worn on Western campus symbolize status and exclude students who cannot afford these luxury items. The article uses visual and verbal features to enhance the argument that students feel accepted through possessing these material items. The interactions between the chosen elements lead the reader to conclude that when decontextualized, these products are simply commodities. The aim of this article is to convince the Western student audience that clothing and material items such as iPods and Lululemon bags are more than just a common admired style but rather are symbols of wealth. Through the use of logos, the text presents Western Professor Tim Blackmores expert point of view that deconstructs the meaning of material status within universities. By using an expert the student audience identify, the article enhances its credibility and strengthens the intended argument as it comes from a trustworthy source. Furthermore, to maintain a non-controversial view, the article omits the Western students reasoning as to the prominence of these products on campus. The Gazette articles selectivity in the information and

Edgar 2 opinions chosen strengthens the articles aim by appealing the audiences confidence in the creditability of the article. Images are chosen specifically to provide a visual draw to an article and present additional information to the audience, strengthening the aim. The picture chosen by the Gazette is a hand drawn cartoon illustration of clothing and accessories such as a Coach purse and Uggs worn by accepted Western students. Selecting this image alternative to a real picture of these brand name products undercuts the power these material items symbolize and forces readers to re think the opinion they have towards these commodities. The chosen imagery separates the products from the Western student readers, highlighting the idea that out of context, these status items are merely consumer goods. Furthermore, by choosing not to include images of the actual products it demonstrates that these items are not defining characteristics of Western students, but rather a social creation. The visual chosen by the Gazette works in collaboration with the text to reinforce the issue of material status and exclusiveness within university campuses. The interaction between visual and verbal elements maximizes the clarity of the article for the student audience. The informative structure of the article provides insight from a creditable source, adding to the persuasiveness and overall argument. By choosing a cartoon image of the status items that are identifiably Western, the articles aim that these products are only consumer items until they are made to have meaning by students is solidified. The article uses previous awareness the student audience has of these brand name products, to counteract the depiction of a Western student. By eliminating the power of these symbols, the article gives notice to the other Western students excluded by these apparent including products.

Edgar 3 Works Cited Lefiso, Jenna. UWO Status Symbols. The Gazette [London], 8 Dec 2005.Web.