Visual Rhetoric By: Perri Collier

“The Outsiders” “Set apart by geography and beliefs, oppressed by the Taliban, the Hazara people could be Afghanistan's best hope.” McCurry, Steve. "National Geographic Magazine - NGM.com." Hazaras: Afghanistan's Outsiders. National Geographic, 2008. Web. 14 Sept. 2010.

Background Information The Hazara people have been in conflict with the Taliban for years. This photograph was taken in 2008. Their Asian features such as narrow eyes, flat noses, broad cheeks have set them apart. The caption below the picture reads “Born to Hazara parents who escaped to Iran, 12-year-old Fiza and her family have returned to Afghanistan “to be in our own country,” says Amin, her father.”

Purpose of Photography Photography is a form of art. It can be used to show facts or as a form of expression.

Look Closely at the Picture

Questions What is the first thing you notice? What stands out? What does this girl seem to be doing?

Answers The first thing I noticed about the picture was the girl. What stood out to me was the expression on the girl’s face and the placement of her hands. The girl seems to be staring at the person taking the picture wondering what they are doing.

Point of View/Perspective This photo was taken by Steve McCurry, a photographer for National Geographic Magazine. The main focus of the photograph is the girl in the foreground. In the background things are not clear. The unclear background makes you focus on the young girls expression wondering what it means. She looks scared or confused. She also seems to be insecure by the placement of her hands or protecting herself.

Technique In this photograph most of the light is hitting the girl, making her the focus of the photograph. Your eyes are immediately drawn to her and you begin to notice her expression. Her eyes are open in almost a wondering stare and her hands are placed in a way to make you feel as if she is scared or surprised. Most of the background of the photo is also blurred or out of focus. This again draws your eyes to the girl in the foreground. The girl is the only object in the photograph that is in complete focus showing her importance to the photograph.

Composition Factors Most of the colors in this photograph are dark. The white scarf around the girls head contrasts with the black of her dress. It seems as if the photographer was standing very close to the girl when the picture was taken. The look on her face is of shock and curiosity. The focal point of the picture is the girl. The contrast and the framing of her face draws you to her when you open your eyes.

Appeals This picture has emotional appeal or pathos. In the picture the girl is standing staring at the camera with a look of shock on her face. It makes you wonder about the life that this girl has and why she looks so shocked.

Audience Who do you think that this picture is intended for? This picture is targeted at the people of America. This shows what a hard life these people have and also to show that there are children involved.

Bibliography McCurry, Steve. "National Geographic Magazine - NGM.com." Hazaras: Afghanistan's Outsiders. National Geographic, 2008. Web. 14 Sept. 2010.