Sandra M. Ortega
Visual Analysis
University of Texas at El Paso
Abstract
This is a visual which will be analyzed by applying logos, pathos and ethos using a photo derived from three young filmmakers who traveled to Africa in search of a story. Inspired by what they found they created a documentary called, “Invisible Children: Rough Cut.” This photo was taken in East Africa by these young filmmakers and depicts the everyday struggles these children face and the courage and hope these villages have to overcome this war. For over 20 years there have been peace talks about the war in Uganda between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Government of Uganda. Due to these conflicts millions of innocent civilians have been trapped in the middle of this violent and neglected war.
Ethos is immediate. War has ruled the lives of millions of innocent men, women and children in Northern Uganda due to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebelling against the Government of Uganda (GoU). The LRA rebel movement can be traced back to a woman who believed that the Holy Spirit had spoken to her saying to overthrow the Ugandan government for the mistreatment of Acholi people. The movement had gained quick momentum and had a leader quickly enough, by the name of Joseph Kony. Although the people of Uganda face death and violence in their everyday lives they remain hopeful and continue to live and carry on thanks to organizations and every day people as we see in this photo, who tries their best to aid these innocent people and spread the word to the world. The young men in this photo, who discovered the, “Invisible Children” in Uganda, aim to spread global awareness so that these children and adults have the opportunity for a future. Young people, hundreds of volunteers, hundreds of students and supporters and the power of the media are able to shed light on the tragic lives that are affected by Africa’s longest fought war. This organization focuses on restoring peace and education in Africa. Invisible Children is a public charity that has taken a unique approach in targeting the issues Uganda faces. This incredible team has given a tremendous and generous amount of time and energy to these tormented citizens.
The logos of the photo above does a great job in bringing out the hope and joy that these, “Citizens of the World” (as they call themselves) has given to these, almost, prisoners of war. There is more than 11 Ugandan youth in this photo; in addition, the three filmmakers who sparked a glorious movement using a pretty powerful tool, a video camera and mass media. It’s easy to see the compassion they have for humanity while taping the youth making an abandon bicycle wheel a source of fun and entertainment. While it may not be such a dangerous object for the youth to play with, you can tell they lack the resources that most children at their age should not. The strength of the Ugandans is evident in this photo through their ability to smile and set aside serious and deadly obstacles in substitute for a short while of bliss. Some of the children are without shirts and shoes and not by choice while the weather averages above 80 degrees. The filmmakers wear bandanas, sun glasses, tank tops and shorts to keep cool. The people of the country are usually outdoors for the most part, whether it be helping in the fields or entertaining themselves with random objects they find like we see here. The world leaders have not met the aid of the people therefore people from around the globe, like these young men, have stepped in to give these people a voice. These men as well risk their lives to tell a grim storey.
If a person contains an ounce of compassion in their body then this would easily affect anyone emotionally. The pathos in this photo is of the young Americans who set out on a journey to Africa and found something more than they had anticipated. The children, who lack the means and resources, but possess the will to carry on with the small things that contribute to their innocent smiles, while a violent war surrounds their everyday lives, continue to thrive and have dreams, goals and aspirations. The will and the determination that youth outside of this and around the world have, give their absolute all to the children that are affected and killed every day in Uganda for a war they never asked for. The things we take for granted everyday are embraced and cherished by the youth and community of Uganda. The smallest things like a piece of used rubber rolling down a hill fill the children with a sense of ease and light on them. They’ve forgotten their troubles and the fears of the night for that one second of joy and laughter. They’ve proved that nothing is trivial. The lack of a good pair of shoes and a shirt or toys to play with would definitely be the least of these children’s worries. The fear of being taken from their homes at night is essentially one thing they’d have on their minds compared to materialistic objects. The children worry that they may be abducted by their very own government or by the rebel group that terrorizes Uganda in order to serve as fighters. They have no option but to submit or face death. This organization and these young filmmakers aren’t the savior for all these people but it’s a giant step towards saving them. As of today this charity has saved over 8,000 of these, “Invisible Children.”
Nothing changes the fact that Uganda and its youth have been incredibly neglected. The organization, “Invisible Children” is a vital tool in getting this issue the attention it certainly needs. The photo is a great reminder and reflects that there is very much hope and plenty of individuals willing to fight for the ones without a voice in the world. The cooperation of the Ugandan citizens has helped the country significantly. Ugandans make up 94% of the workers fighting to restore peace in Africa.
References
Invisible Children: Rough Cut Photo. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.invisiblechildren.com/galleries/72157624733782045
Civil War in Uganda. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/uganda.htm
