They can be understood by all, including those who can’t read or those who speak different languages. Though they may have many strengths, there is a limit to the effectiveness of images. Images cannot do everything. They are useful to an extent. Some things are just very difficult to convey using images. One problem is the confusion that is created between the creator of the image and the viewer of the image. For example, an artist may wish to paint a picture that conveys the message, “I believe in God.” Though the message will be very clear to the artist, it may not be as clear to the viewer. The artist’s method for conveying this idea may be completely different than the viewer’s method. There is no uniformity. Another limitation of images is “that they tend to say too much”(Stephens). Because some images mean different things to different people, various interpretations will exist about that image. Stephens summed up the limitations of images best when he said, “ [p]ictures are better, similarly, with the concrete than the abstract, better with the particular than the general.” When we take away the words from the Blair Witch advertisement, the advertisement becomes more ambiguous. The idea behind the movie becomes harder to comprehend. In fact, one may be able to figure out it is a horror movie, but may be left wondering what exactly it is about. When words are added to the picture of the forest, the message becomes more clear and effective. The inability of images to express the abstract if found in writing. Words have the power to express that which is abstract. They help us to better understand concepts or idea which cannot be drawn out or represented by an image. “Printed words may take us, metaphorically at least, behind a face “(Stephens). They help us to see beyond the surface. One powerful strength of printed words is their ability to touch the ima...
