Visual Literacy (Essay Sample)

Visual Literacy
Name
Institution Affiliation
Visual Literacy
Question one
Compare and contrast Kennedy’s definition of visual literacy with the textbook’s definition.
Kennedy defines visual literacy as the ability to construct meaning from images. Visual literacy is not a skill; it uses skills a toolbox. It is a form of critical thinking that enhances the intellectual capacity of an individual. Visual literacy is not a new concept, according to Kennedy. The textbook definition of visual literacy is the ability to interpret, convey, and make sense from information obtained in the form of an image. It extends the meaning of literacy, which commonly signifies explanation of a written or printed text. Visual literacy is regarded as a class or category of visual expression shaped by a total cultural environment (Dondis, 2010). The two definitions of visual literacy acknowledge that it is an art that involves interpreting images to drive meanings from them. Kennedy’s definition goes ahead to explain that visual literacy is not a skill or a new concept but instead uses skills as a toolbox. The textbook definition sees visual literacy as being shaped by cultural conditions.
Question two
Which of the two definitions do you believe is more accurate in today’s world? Discuss and support your position.
Kennedy's definition of visual literacy is more accurate in today's world than the textbook definition. He defines visual literacy as the ability to drive meaning from images and is not a skill but a concept that employs the use of competencies as a toolbox. Kennedy goes ahead and defines visual literacy further as critical thinking that improves the intellectual ability of a person and is affected by cultural environments. The first definition is quite accurate in today's world in that we interpret images of any form and is not limited to written or printed text. We understand information from small acts such as a wink or a hand wave to drawings of various objects on books and any other printed forms. This is an accurate definition of visual literacy because it covers the interpretation of images of any form not just written or printed images as is described by the textbook definition. Both definitions are applicable and acceptable in today's world, but Kennedy's definition is more accurate and dimensional.
Question three
Explain how visual literacy can be considered a universal language.
Visual literacy can be regarded as a universal language given the fact that no written word advances. There are no uses of symbols, letters, Roman alphabet or Eastern Ideograms we know today. In this parallel world, no innovative civilization goes through the distress of using a pen and paper to designate a thought or notion or a story. It is simpler and more efficient for each person to create imageries quickly. There is no Rosetta rock as there is no variance in how individuals record information. Images are universal. For example, the people in America understand a photo of a royal birth in Australia. A picture of horse soldiers’ charge of Genghis Kahn across the highlands of Mongolia is effortlessly recognized in northern Africa. Therefore, because people universally interpret images in the same manner and meaning, visual literacy can be considered a universal language (Heffernan, 2011).
Question four
Discuss how visual literacy can impact...