Running Head: FEMINISM ANALYSIS

JAnais Holland
Visual Analysis of Feminism
University of Texas at El Paso

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Image 1.

Image 2.

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Visual analysis of Feminism

The two images that are being analyzed have to do with the concept of feminism. To help
with the understanding of the rhetorical techniques employed in these images, the pictures will
be compared and contrasted. This analysis will suggest the purpose of each image and the
messages they are attempting to give to the audience. This analysis will also be examining
rhetorical elements such as ethos, pathos, and logos. Another part of the analysis will include
audience characteristics as well as the strategy behind the images in effort to paint a clear picture
of the intent of each image.
Purpose of the Pictures and Their Messages
Both image one and two are showing small snippets of what feminism entails. Image 1
portrays that feminism is inclusive to all types of women. However, by showing only three, it
may not straightforwardly show that it includes every type of woman. On the other hand, it does
imply that others are very much included by saying We all can do it! at the very top. Also, by
including at the bottom, feminism is worthless without intersectionality and inclusion, that
seals the deal in regards to who the picture is really including.
When it comes to image number 2, it is showing a very common misconception of
feminism. Many people believe that feminism means that women want superiority over men,
shown in the top half of the picture, which is completely misconstrued. Feminism is the equality
of the genders which is shown in the bottom half of the picture. With that, it can be said that the

artist wanted to make a very clear and concise idea of what feminism truly is in order to cut away
the misconceptions allowing everyone to come together and believe in feminism as a whole.
FEMINISM CHARACTERISTICS

Audience Characteristics
The audience characteristics for image one appeals to women of all religions and/ or
cultures. Being that the image is only portraying women standing together, it may not appeal to
men as much but that does not mean they are not invited to stand with the women. So image one
would target anyone and everyone so that would include 1) anyone from all religions, 2) people
of all ages, 3) people of all cultural backgrounds and 4) both males and females. The audience
characteristics in regards to picture number two would have to include 1) boys and men of all
ages, 2) girls and women of all ages, 3) anyone else who would believe in equality of the genders
rather that the superiority of the genders.
Pathos
Depending on whether the audience of image one would be male or female, it may have a
different appeal to both genders making it subjective. For men, some may see it as women
wanting to be superior being that only women are in the picture. That sort of outlook on the
picture may spike some feelings of unfairness or even anger if they were not educated on exactly
what feminism is. Or, had they not happened to read the bottom of the picture, they would fail to
realize that they were included, and that would allow for some other feelings of a so called
hierarchy or sense of entitlement coming from women. For women however, it may bring up
some emotions of strength and power. Image one really could allow some women to see that they

are just as strong as men and that in itself would be enough to spark some sort of emotional
response of worth. In regards to Image two, the effect would be the same for both men and
women. Because at the bottom of the picture it shows that feminism is about the equality of the
FEMINISM ANALYSIS

genders, emotionally, it may allow people to feel as if they are one. There would be no feelings
of resentment or superiority from either gender.
Logos
In order to appeal to the audience by reasoning with them, the bottom of the image one
can do the talking. By mentioning that feminism is not relevant without intersectionality and
inclusion, that would show the audience that it is only logical that everyone is a part of feminism.
Whether male or female, black or white, short or tall, religious or atheist, everyone has a place in
feminism. The logic behind image number two is stated very simply. It shows that feminism is
not about superiority but the equality of men and women. That being said, the author is asking
the audience to accept the true definition of feminism for what it is rather that misinterpreting the
idea of it as shown in the top half of the image.

Strategy
Both of the images can be said to be sending the same message. That message being that
feminism is relevant to both genders. The topic of feminism is a controversial and rather touchy
topic when it comes to those who are undereducated on the subject. However, when it comes to
image one, the strategy being employed by the author would be one that intends to unite all
women. After all, feminism is worthless without intersectionality and inclusion. As for image

two, the strategy used there would be one that shows the true meaning of feminism while
connecting to both genders in a simple way.

Work Cited
Fair, J. (2014, November 10). Not Interested in Your Feminism. The Global Switchboard.
Retrieved From http://globalsolutionspgh.org/2014/11/interested-feminism/
(2015, May 20). What is Feminism? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from
https://ourreflection16.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/what-is-feminism/