For my blog post I chose to use Foss’ schema to analyze an image through his three step process.
The first step in Foss’ scheme is to identify the function that is being communicated in the image. In this case, the function of this image is expressing to the viewer that if an adult is abusing an animal that the child will be next. The first thing I see is a blatant abused animal covered in blood and then an adolescent with the words, “he’s next” under him. The following text says to report animal abuse to stop domestic abuse by calling 911. The image is bringing awareness that if you see animal abuse report it because you could stop the abuse of a child. If there was no text accompanied with the images we would be confused as to why an abused animal picture is next to the boy.
The second step is to determine how well the function of the image is being preformed. The blood covered dog and the transition into the child is stimulating emotion to the viewer by saying the child is next to be abused. The frightened looks in the eyes and faces of both the dog and the boy evoke an emotion that causes the reader to want to take action. Most everyone loves animals and no sane person would wish abuse upon a child so the pathos appeal to the viewer makes this image function well.
The final step in Foss’ schema is to analyze the legitimacy of the image. The function of the image is to bring attention to viewers that if you see animal abuse then report it because you could stop child abuse. The function is not completely legitimate. Not 100% of all animal abusers are harming children, but it is bring attention to the fact that if someone would harm an animal, then they could harm a child. Although it might not always be happening, it is better to be safe and report all abuse.
Thinking Rhetorically at GCSU 