ABP #2

I chose to evaluate an image based on Foss’ schema. Foss includes three steps in this schema.

The first step is to evaluate an image by its function. What function does the image serve to convey? For this image, the function is to portray the Jewish community, mostly within Germany, as plotters and conspirators. The function is made obvious through the anchorage with the text. The Jewish man, hidden behind the flags of the Allie nations, is characterized as being malevolent. The image’s goal is to delineate a certain form of animosity towards the Jewish community.

The next step in Foss’ schema is to analyze how well that function is communicated to the audience or viewer. This piece of Nazi propaganda has a distinct function, and it is one that is presented clearly to the viewer. The characterization of a Jewish man serves as a visual synecdoche for the Jewish community as a whole. The purpose of the image is to persuade the German people into believing a set of false stipulations about Jewish people as a whole (being that they are conspiring with Germany’s enemies).

The final step is to evaluate the legitimacy of the image. The legitimacy of this piece of visual rhetoric is small. The function is existent and communicated well. The legitimacy of the function being conveyed is a different story. The illegitimacy of the characterization of the Jewish community stands out strikingly. It is clearly incorrect inaccurate and wrong to pigeonhole an entire ethno-religious group as pernicious. The depiction of the Jew shrouded by Allie nation flags is not based on fact, but propaganda that aligns only with Nazi agenda. Therefore, the legitimacy of this image must be questioned.