Parenting Visual Argument Critique

Bill Cosby on Parenting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87nNUGvEk-8

Cavemen Comic: www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/hsc0814l.jpg

When I began to look for visual arguments that reflect my topic about parenting, I found that there are different types of messages out there. There are videos that use different methods to suggest how to parent a child successfully. However, these videos tend to be more biased. On the other hand, I also found comics that are an example of a visual argument for parenting. In contrast to the videos, which tried to influence parenting, the visual arguments in the comics were more of a mock on society.

The first video that I found was of Bill Cosby. He was doing a motivational speech at what looked to be a school somewhere. Also, this video was shot and sponsered by a website called rollingout.com with their personal camcorder that was posted on youtube. It was obvious that it was not a professionally shot video. Bill Cosby used his credit of being an actor at this school to spread his beliefs on how parenting should be. What he said was that kids are starting to be have problems when they grow up due to a lack of good parenting when they are young. He believes that these problems are only going to build if parents continue to neglect their children at an early age. People are most vulnerable as a child and thats why good parenting is so crucial at this time. He believes that children’s ignorance is due to their parent’s ignorance. Personally, I agree with a lot of the suggestions and arguments he brings up. I think the experience he had working with kids gives him merit. However, he only speaks on behalf of his experiences. He is not educated in the field of child development, therefor it is questionable to say that he is an expert in the field. I wonder why we listen to actors and actresses any ways? Is it because they have money? Or because they are a familiar voice? Maybe it’s a combination of the two. However, essentially it is an actors job to emerge themselves in the role of another person. How do we know when actors are being true to what they preach to society or if they are fulfilling their professional role as an actor. Are their motivational speeches to society merely just another "job."? For this, the credibility of actors when doing speeches like this, settles in a gray area.

Along with the videos I found on youtube, I also found a handful of comics that related to parenting. The comics that I found expressed irony in reflection to our society. The first comic I found was a picture of two cave people and a man in a business suit with a briefcase. This scene took place in a cave. The caption at the bottom says, "It’s not that I reject your values mom and dad. It’s just that I’ve evolved and you havent." It was clear that the person with the suit was refering to the cave people as his parents. This comic was funny because I think a lot of people feel this way, I believe it reflects most of society. Most people don’t end up in the direction in which their parents would have intended for them. Some parents consider it a personal attack. However, it is agreed that it is due to a changing society.

Both of these examples of visual communication reflect how we view parenting in our society. Each example used a different method in doing this. The Bill Cosby video was a motivational video for parents and teachers. Whereas the comics displayed expressed irony. It sort of mocked society, as most comics usually do. This assignment was a good way to realize what the visual arguments are trying to say indirectly.