Visual Analysis Essay based on a secondary source
how visual analysis helps us understand meanings and explanations with signs connecting to images and representation
How does it help sociologists in qualitative research?
How is it applicable to real life, and what are the factors that are used ...
Visual analysis is a qualitative research method that allows us to discover ‘additional layers of meaning,
adding validity and depth, and creating knowledge’ (Glaw et al, 2017, p. 1). Additionally, they can be
used alongside traditional methods to capture ‘more detail and a different kind of data than verbal and
written methods’ (Ibid., p. 1). I have chosen visual analysis as my method because ‘visual methods are
accepted tools for qualitative research’ (Pain, 2012, p. 303) and are driven ‘from the ability of images to
facilitate and enrich communication thus enhancing the data’ (Ibid., p. 303). The concept of visual
analysis revolves around the idea of semiotics which is ‘concerned with meaning; how representation …
generates meanings or the processes by which we comprehend or attribute meaning’ (Curtin, p. 51).
Thus, visual analysis is a great tool to infer the variety of meanings that may be instilled within an image,
allowing us to gain a more profound understanding of the material being analysed. In this analysis, a
range of images at different parts of Trumps presidency are going to be analysed. These images will be
examined focusing on a range of themes including attire, body language and setting for a thorough and
organised examination of possible ideas, meanings and representations that can be inferred from this
study.
Before analysis of the sources, it is important to take into account the applicability of this chosen
method for the sources being analysed. The sources are all political based, therefore various
interpretations can be made from simple gestures of body language, facial expressions, what the subject
is wearing and the setting in which the picture is taken. All of these factors can be used to gain a richer
understanding of the sources. This is because it is a study on a political leader which can hold many
infused meanings. Therefore, throughout this analysis I will be highlighting the ways this method can be
usefully applied and compare this analysis to background research of my own on each of the sources.
,Module Code: SG2056
Donald Trump, the president of the United States is shown standing erect whilst holding two green hats
that state ‘make our farmers great again’. This portrays Trump in a positive light as he is
advocating for a good cause. Furthermore, Trump’s facial expression and body
language is positive as he holds the hats in both hands, representing balance and
highlighting the importance of farmers for America. In regards to the background,
there is a blur, creating ambiguity as we are unaware if the people have a positive
or negative reaction to what Trump is presenting. Furthermore, there is a
correlation between Trump’s attire and the American flag in the background. Trump
is wearing the colours, blue, white and red whilst standing in front of a large crowd,
insinuating that Trump is the epitome of American values. Representing the flag
through his clothing reinforces his power and position as a leader, giving a patriotic
theme to this image. This concept of patriotism and leadership can be linked in with
Bellah’s theory of civil religion on the authority of being a president as ‘It reaffirms,
among other things, the religious legitimation of the highest political authority’
(Bellah, 1967), this is evident from the way he is bringing people together. From my
background research, I had found a potential source for this image, which headlined ‘US President
,Module Code: SG2056
Donald Trump to visit Ireland in November’ (BBC, 2018). The colours on the hats are green, linking in
with the three leaf shamrock, with each leaf standing for faith, hope and love.
In comparison to the first image which showed Trump as open and welcoming,
Trump’s body language is now seen to be more enclosed and intense. He is putting
his hands up which connotes both offence and defence whilst a fist is raised in the
foreground correlating with Trump’s body language. This emphasises support,
strong leadership and power. Furthermore, the colour red is used here often which
is commonly associated with danger and violence as a small glimpse of the
American flag is evident in the background, representing America as a country that
dominates and is powerful. After researching and finding a potential source of this
image, it is clear that this image is associated with the campaign rally he carried
, Module Code: SG2056
out, raising money for veterans, thus being gifted a ring for his efforts which he is
posing with (Brazile, 2016)
Similar to the previous picture, Trump is shown in a more offensive manner,
mimicking a shooting stance of a rifle. His facial expression is focused and is more
serious than the other two images which reflected his facial expressions as more
positive. Hence, this image can be seen to show the darker side of American
politics, the wars, the lack of gun control as seen in the way he is supporting
‘arming teachers and other school employees’ (Stewart, 2018) as a means of
defence and the fight against immigration. This is done whilst embracing the
American seal in the background in a colourful way, giving the impression that this
is a stamp of approval from Trump himself. His attire also differs to images one and
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