Reading Blog #1

In the article “Re-Viewing Visual Literacy in the 'Bain d’ Images' Era”, the author Maria D. Avgerinou talks about how visual mass media is everywhere in our lives today and how it affects the way we see things, our attitudes, and how we live. She believes that we are in a time where visual culture is essential, and the constant flow of images from TV, the internet, and ads shapes how humans perceive the world. Avgerinou also believes that current education lacks the tools and resources in order to teach the younger generation a new form of literacy called visual literacy. Avgerinou identifies key competencies associated with visual literacy, such as knowledge of visual vocabulary, visual thinking, critical viewing, and sensitivity to visual association. All of these are important to not just the younger generation but everyone since the world is now filled with visuals everywhere we go. She says that people need to be empowered visually to better understand the modern world around us and fit in with the ever-changing visual culture.

Even though this article was written about 15 years ago, I still believe that visual literacy is a very important skill to have now. Technology has changed exponentially even in those 15 years to the point where every year, something new comes out that people have to learn how to use or learn how to comprehend. And with the visual medium changing as well, it is just as important to stay up to date on how to read the visual culture in order to not be left behind.