Does anybody ever find it odd how much a simple picture can effect us? Famous scenes from events such as the Vietnam War, presidential elections, or 9/11 can still make us cry, hopeful, or happy.
Have any of you ever stopped to ponder about this? I have. I'm an avid fan of collecting photos from the Internet. I have a vast collection of black and white photos, funny pictures, amazingly digitally edited scenes, and pictures of beautiful scenery.
But that's not all pictures can do. They can also tell a story that effects your emotions. The link below is an excellent example. The pictures manipulate you from one emotion to the next.
http://melon.posterous.com/one-good-polar-bear-story-thanks-jb
I actually discovered stumbleupon.com years ago, but I went back through my stumbles to find this one. I really enjoy animal pictures and how this site told a story that didn't need words. (I'm easily amused.)
I'm also curious as to what is motivating the polar bears to play with the dogs and not eat them. In the video, it says that polar bears are very social and individualistic. I cannot fathom why, but these bears and dogs have formed bonds that I would have thought impossible otherwise. However, these animals have formed close bonds.
Great Post.
I also find it odd how a simple image, even just a small photo can recall very emotional memories, or even inspire and motivate individuals, or large groups.
The polar bear and the dog is a very cute, warm fuzzy feeling Hallmark card kind of feeling. I definitely thought the picture captions were not needed as well, because not only did the pictures do a very good job of telling the story, but there is enough emotion in the photos that they were not needed to describe what was going on.
The comment in the video about them being individualistic, but having some social adaptability was very interesting, I wonder what other animals this relationship would be possible with? It is also amazing how even though a visable social order exists, all of the animals do feel like it is a safe place.
Way Cute.
While I agree with you that pictures have the ability to elicit powerful emotions in people I feel that your example is lacking. In your first paragraph, you list famous events in history that have had a significant impact in the course of every generation yet you provide an example that could be described as 'cute' not 'poignant' or 'moving'. Also, it seems a little a presumptuous to say that pictures have the ability to manipulate emotions when I might respond in a completely different manner at various stages in my life or even on a day-to-day basis. Furthermore, you are primarily discussing a series of pictures or a video and not a single picture like the adage implies.
I also am amazed at the powerfulness that a single image can have on our emotions.
I agree that the sequence of pictures didn't need captions, and I may even venture out to say that the images would be even more powerful without.
In response to Jackie, I don't think that nilliejones was trying to use examples of historical events to parallel the polar bear and dog images; I think they were given as examples to support her idea that pictures can evoke very strong emotions. In addition, I disagree that it was presumptuous to say that pictures have the ability to arouse emotions - even when I am upset, if I see something cute or happy, it makes my mood change. Maybe that's just me, but I feel like it was an accurate, applicable statement.
For several people, the captivating picture of the 3 firefighters raising the American flag in the pile of rubble from 9/11 evokes a variety of emotions. Even for those of us who weren't directly affected by the event, it still stirs up feelings.
Furthermore, if pictures (single, or sequential) didn't have the power to create and change our emotions, photography wouldn't be such a prominent field. Even photography which doesn't depict people or animals - scenery - can be powerful. A sunset can calm, a tornado can produce fear, a winter scene can evoke isolation, and so on.