Blog Post 10

            Across the United States, animals are abused, unwanted, neglected and repeatedly left in the streets to fend for themselves.  This has become a major problem in our country today.  Organizations such as the Humane Society, present rescue efforts, disaster response, provide mobile veterinary clinics, and established a global street dog program to save animals and provide them with temporary homes.  This approach is successful because animals are given a second chance and the opportunity for a better life.  Because of their dedication, the Humane Society is the nations largest and most effective animal protection organization.    

            For my rhetorical artifact, I created an advertisement that could be put on a billboard or displayed any form of media.  In my rhetorical artifact I created, I wanted to explain to my audience what they could do to help with this problem.  I intended to bring awareness to the problem and explain how people can contribute to this social movement.  In this advertisement, I attempt to transform perceptions of social reality as well as legitimizing the social movement.  A common misconception of shelter animals is that they are violent, disease-ridden and unfriendly.  In order to transform this perception of these animals, I described these animals as a future “best friend.”  This causes the audience to feel as though they are not violent and that in reality they are only looking for a home and an owner who will treat them well.  I also attempt to legitimize the movement by providing the mission of the Humane Society and by stating what the audience can do to take action.  By stating “His future is in your hands” exercises the power of control.   However, by stating, “Make a friend. Save a life,” This exercises the power of reward.  The audience gains satisfaction of becoming a hero as well as gaining a best friend. 

            In order to accomplish this goal of gathering people into this movement, I used the languaging strategy of identification and the tactic or creating a slogan that would grab the attention of the viewer.  Identification is used to “change the status quo” and the perception of shelter animals so the public can now identify with the movement.  By using this strategy I established a common ground with my audience.  The slogan is unique in that it grabs the viewers attention and persuades them to join the movement. 

            For my artifact, I decided to create a billboard.  A billboard is a successful form of rhetoric to present to my audience because it provides a quick slogan to grab the viewers attention within a few seconds.  It is very effective because it can be seen by thousands of people a day.  I decided to make the entire billboard black and white because it establishes a sense of credibility because black and white is commonly associated with a serious message.  The large font of the slogan establishes a sense of urgency, as it is the first thing the viewer perceives.   The photograph is a photo of my dog, which I adopted from an animal shelter.   The dog is happy and reaching up to his owner to give her a “high five.”  This picture works well with the slogan because a “high five” is something you would give your best friend.  Overall, This billboard can relate to anyone who views it and it is an effective form of communication to gather in people to adopt pets from animal shelters.