Lessons in Dissident Design: The Study of Visual Rhetoric Applied to Counter-Authoritarianism

Author: Jennings Terrell

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 81

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Visual Rhetoric, the study of argument through images, is a field that has as of yet barely been applied to the study of Counter-Authoritarianism. The purpose of this research, then, is to develop this inter-disciplinary relationship by examining aspects of visual rhetorical design as they relate to counter-authoritarian movements. Through an analysis of how movements’ visual media sparks emotions and induces critical thought regarding the system it opposes, this study will develop actionable recommendations that can be used by activists to create strong rhetoric. This research hypothesizes that the most important aspects of dissident Visual Rhetoric are an ability to guide the viewer's eye via design construction, and adept utilization of imagery that prompts automatic emotional response. The study recommends further research encompassing both disciplines, including additional case based applications and more in-depth discussion of design rules as they apply to Counter-Authoritarianism.