Reading Blog #1: Re-Viewing Visual Literacy

After reading "Re-Viewing Visual Literacy in the 'Bain d' Images' Era" by Maria D. Avgerinou, it was very interesting to reflect on the key takeaways in comparison to personal experiences and observations about our world today. I feel that the 'bain d' images', or image bath, that the author describes is very accurate to the era that we are in today: enormously influencing "our perception of self and the surrounding world, our attitudes, beliefs, values, and general life-style" (Avgerinou, 28). When thinking of social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram and Snapchat, there are constantly images that are bombarding our minds, whether we think we're fully absorbing the information or not. These social media platforms are constantly inventing new trends or promoting a certain 'aesthetic', and it infiltrates our minds and impacts the way that we view ourselves and others. This, both positively and negatively, plays with the ways we view our self-worth/values and the people near us.

Expanding on this, another idea that stood out to me was when the author mentioned how the "verbal-oriented, left-brained school" systems have "failed to address the full potential of such important skills as creative thinking and problem solving" (32). I agree with this assessment, especially when considering the many pitfalls of standardized testing and the 'one-size-fits-all' approach, when we know that students learn in so many different ways. This becomes even more true when examining a new information-based and fast-paced age that will impact students, voluntary or not.

When thinking of the idea of a fast-paced age, it brings to mind one of the attributes of the information-age mindset that the author mentioned: "There is zero tolerance for delay" (30). While this can be interpreted in many different ways, for me it makes me think of how unfortunate it is that it has become harder for humans to allow themselves time to rest and be slow and take a break from information flooding their minds. This can also be grouped into the instant-gratification that has become necessary for many people, organizations, etc., likely stemming from the introduction of technology, both good and bad, but that's a whole other conversation.

All images above created by AI through prompts about the ideas I reflected on above!