McCloud Reading Response

Before You Read

3. I believe children draw themselves as stick figures 1. because it is easy and 2. because children think that everyone is the same or equal. Stick figures do show the development of children because at a young age everyone thinks everyone is equal. But when children grow up and develop the become self-aware that everyone is not equal. In fact the find out that almost everyone is different from each other. 

Summary

The reading McCloud explains the differences between basic pictures and complex pictures. He uses comic strips not only to keep the readers attention, but to prove his point. When we see a basic picture, such as a comic, we visualize it as whatever we want. We can think up our own background and details and we can see the picture however we want to see it. This keeps us interested. In complex pictures he explains we see all the stuff, so its harder to find the main point and add our own personality to it, unlike in basic pictures.

Synthesis

In this reading McCloud compares pictures, just as Berger did. But McCloud was comparing basic pictures and complex pictures. Berger on the other hand was comparing pictures from different time periods. McCloud's point was that basic pictures let the reader put their own descriptions and characteristics in the picture themselves. They let the reader use their imagination. 

Thoughts

I thought that McCloud's definition of both simple and abstract photos was exactly right. I agree that basic or simple pictures let the reader/viewers mind run free. I believe when the viewer can use their own imagination they stay interested and remember the material. I also agree that abstract or complex photos put too much in the viewers mind, so they can not remember the concept as well. 

Questions

2. McCloud uses the comic book strip to keep the readers interested and to explain the concept in a different way than just in writing. If he would have only used writing he wouldn't have had any examples to prove his points. 

2. I do think more teaching strategies should use more imagery. I think many English and History lessons would benefit from this because they are easily portrayed through photos.  

4. McCloud's definition of a mask makes me think more about myself and others. Someone might be having a horrible day, but smile and hid behind their "mask." You would be able to be aware of the people around you intently if they did not have their "masks." You would then be able to see evey one's emotions through their faces.