I was recently visiting the state of Ohio's Web site and noticed a chart that related to state government, which we've been discussing for the last few days. (Since then, the graphic has been removed from the state Web site and added to an "elect Collier" site. This image is currently hosted there.)
For this blog entry, I'd like you to consider how this particular chart works to convey information. Think about layout, color schemes, etc. as you analyze the different parts that contribute to the impact of the whole.
Finally, is this chart more than just a means to convey information? How is it rhetorical? You'll remember from our writing classes that rhetoric is the art of persuasion.
If you click on the picture, you can get a better image of it.
Please click on the comment button below and post a short comment in response to the questions...
16 comments:
Mice primary color and spatial arrangement. Jeff
Hey Paul! This is really cool. I think the cat should be Catbone, r/t Hambone. Unless he's Hambone b/c he likes to chew on Hambones.
Okay, I'm in. I like the idea of combining text with diagrams like you've done, especially in a medium like this.
I don't like the chart. First, I would have the governor on the top of the chart and basically go backwards. It is interesting how this was interpreted and used.
The colors red and blue are so closely associated with Republicans and Democrats that a person viewing the graphic might infer that the entire judicial branch is Republican and the entire legislative branch is Democratic. Perhaps use different colors: pink, green, orange, yellow.
By placing Citizens of Ohio at the top, it gives the impression that the citizens are in control. The use of different colors for the various branches conveys their autonomy. While the colors themselves, conveys not only the national colors, but also ideas of trust, passion, and sincerity.
But isn't it interesting how th organization makes it appear as though the citizens of Ohio actually have all the power (which I would say is bogus), but a surprising way for the state to spin things.
When I first looked at the diagram, I noticed the colors red, white and blue. The first thing I thought of was the flag, but then after you start reviewing the different sections my opinion was turning. I feel that the colors were representing types of power each area has in the system.
I believe that it is more than rhetorical in that it is persuading people that citizens are the most important aspect of the government. The red white and blue however offer a persona of separatism because of the red standing for republicans and blue for democrats.
i think the chart is designed in red and blue as a persuasive way to indicate republican and democrat. now i am not very well educated as far as mice and cats go so i really have no idea what happened to the poor cat.
It is a little confusing that they have used the same colors associated with the Republican and Democratic parties. I also find it interesting that they have places citizens at the top of the chart, implying that "the power is with the people".
The colors give the persona of separatism due to republicans being red and democrats being blue. The chart also tries to persuade that citizens are the highest ranking in this establishment of state government.
Wow! Are the citizens of Ohio really at the top of the chart? I think not. In reality the governor and legislature are the top dogs, not us lowly citizens. What's with portraying the executive branch with the color white (purity?). Do the red and blue indicate party affiliation (democrat/republican)?
What happened to the poor cat? I know a good vet.
I agree with 8:41 poster that there's an implied heirarchy by the chart that makes the branches not look equal in power.
OK, I'm off off Catbone / Hambone now and on to the actual assignment. I really like the visual and verbal hybridity this chart exemplifies. The chart's rhetorical use of red, white, and blue signifies American patriotism. Also, it's interesting that the Citizens are at the top of the chart, a place of power, and branches of government are placed beneath them.
Keep up the good work.
Post a Comment