Critical Introduction

This blog is written by first year undergraduates in the Scholars Program at the University of Maryland College Park. The purpose of our blog is to investigate and compare and contrast the different subculture gatherings of the 1960s and the contemporary era. We compared the power and exigence of each movement but contrasted the principles, method of communication, and targeted audience of each subculture gathering. We chose two distinct texts. Our first text includes a poster advertising of the “Gathering of the Tribes for a Human Be-In” movement in San Francisco, CA. Our second text consists of an Amnesty International poster advocating for human rights through the advertisement of the Bringing Human Rights Home concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. We first analyzed the audience of each text, finding similarities and differences between both, as well as the rhetorical situation/exigence that each text brought to the table. Furthermore, we explored the ethos and pathos present in each text, finding the authority/credibility and the specific emotions each text expressed through its poster. Finally, we explained the logos, mood, and imagery within each text. Through analysis and discussion with our English 101S class, we concluded that as time proceeded, subcultures of America lost the drive for a targeted audience (focused on the individual) and began to rely on reaching out to the general public in ambiguity. Expanding the audience allows for a more diverse group to take notice of subculture advertisements thus creating a larger fan base.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Pathos of The Human Be-In Poster 

 The Human Be-In Poster incorporates pathos to inform the audience about the new found hippie culture, and convince the audience that LSD can be used for spiritual purposes. By portraying a supernatural setting (the poster), the poster appeals to the audiences' spiritual side and conveys the idea that higher realms can be achieved through the use of psychedelics. It also emphasizes personal empowerment. The pyramid with the eye at the top represents the all seeing eye, and in a sense appeals to the audiences' sense of power. The poster's use of an eerie, cloudy setting appeals to the audiences' sense of curiosity, and may perhaps spark their interest as to how this extra sensory realm can be accessed. The eccentric vibe that the poster gives off may spark the audience's interest as to what this new found hippie culture is really about. What is so different about them? What messages do these unorthodox group of people want to let the world know?
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5 comments:

  1. Emily ReimalFebruary 28, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    I love how this poster appeals to pathos in a non traditional way. It has an air of mysticism and spirituality that sparks curiosity in the viewer.

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  2. UnknownFebruary 28, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    I really like how you end this analysis with two questions that, to me, had the same effect as the poster's mysterious and somewhat psychedelic feeling. It was an excellent way of mirroring the poster's appeal to pathos!

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  3. UnknownFebruary 28, 2014 at 8:31 PM

    I like how you stated how the poster does not just appeal to one emotion as a whole. You pointed out different features and aspects of the poster which could appeal to different types of emotions from the audience.

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  4. Derien ScottFebruary 28, 2014 at 8:51 PM

    I thought it was interesting how the poster draws people in by being completely off the wall and almost eerie. I definitely agree that any non LSD users in the 1960s would be baffled by this poster and ask the questions that you ended your analysis with.

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  5. UnknownMarch 2, 2014 at 8:44 PM

    I like how you ask the questions at the end that really keep everyone thinking. I also think depending on your drug use you may view the poster differently.

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