Visual Argument Project

Toulmin Analysis:

            The claim of my video presentation is that we, as inhabitants of the earth, need to stop investing in oil and need to invest in clean renewable energy instead. One warrant for this claim is that there are in fact reusable forms energy out there that can be used in place of oil. The reason for my claim is that the pollution produced from oil production and consumption is a major cause of global warming.

Image Analysis:

1. Shows money is being overwhelmingly invested in oil. Also the black color of the barrel makes this investment appear dark and ominous.
2. The smoke, dark pillars and gold sky give the picture a hellish feel. The multiple pillars suggest that there is too much oil production occurring, and this production is releasing tons of toxins into the air.
3. Portrays the world as drowning in oil. Also the image complements the previous image because it is portraying that this huge investment in oil is filling the earth with toxins.
4. The flame around the earth suggests that the earth is heating up, referencing global warming, and the soot covered hand in the picture suggests that it was human kind’s dirty work that caused the earth to burn. It appears that the oil sinking earth in the second picture was lit on fire and thus burst into flames. This conveys that the earth is getting warmer because of oil.
5. This image is displaying an effect of the global warming shown on the previous image because the ice around the polar bears island has melted. The lonely polar bear will also evoke empathy from the audience.
6. The image of the city will make the viewer realize that global warming will not only affect animals but also humans because of rising sea levels. Also the           water appears dark and murky which will amplify the viewer’s fright of this flood occurring.
7. The green bulb lighting up the dark background suggests that green energy will lead to a bright future.
8. The white backdrop of the recycling symbol conveys a sense of hope. And the images inside of the symbol offer a peek into what there is to be hopeful about. Placing this image after all the dark images amplifies its hopeful message.
9. The use of perspective in this picture with a single windmill front and center and two others in the background helps make the windmill appear more bold and ready to face the problem of global warming. It almost looks as if it is a soldier saluting his country’s flag. The bright blue and green makes the windmill appear one with nature and the white color of the windmill makes it appear angel-like. This image continues the message of hope established in the previous image.
10. The sun projects a symbol of optimism in the image. By placing the solar panels at the bottom of the image and using linear perspective to show that the panels extend far into the distance the panels look almost like a walkway that will lead us to a solution, it’s one ray of hope from the previous recycling symbol.
11. The dollar placed in the bulb suggests that we need to invest in green energy because the bulb is incandescent, a symbol of efficient energy. The refreshing green background makes the bulb appear even brighter and more innovative. Also the fact that the light bulb is lit makes the idea of efficient energy seem promising. This image contrasts the oil barrel full money at the beginning of the presentation. It suggests that we need to transition from investing in oil to investing in alternative energy for cheaper more efficient energy and a “brighter” future.
12. The smiling man is walking from a smoky factory to a clear field of windmills in a green suit. This suggests that business community and workforce will gain happiness from transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
13. Similar to the previous picture, except this picture more of a blue color approach to clean energy.
14. The suit the hand is attached to complements the money bulb image because it conveys the idea that businesses should invest in green energy. This is based off the fact that the hand is in a thumbs up, and the thumb is green, so the business man is showing approval towards earth friendly technology. It also ends the presentation effectively because it conveys that green energy is the way to go to fix the climate crisis. This is also amplified by the hope filled white background.

Song Analysis:

            I included the song because of the chorus “Money, that’s what I want” this line fits my project not only because it portrays the greediness of oil companies but also  because it conveys my main message of the need to invest money in renewable energy. Renewable energy wants money. The mixture of the drums, piano, guitar, and tambourine give the song a fast paced Motown feel. This is fits because the automobile industry, a major catalyst for oil production, has historically been centered in Detroit along with Motown music. Also the pace and rhythm of the song makes the listener wants to move and be productive. This works well with the pictures because the point of my presentation was to spur action from the audience and have them go out, support, and invest in renewable green energy.