PSA ads!

Jasmon Jackson

The tsunami killed 100 times more people than 9/11, The planet is brutally powerful. Respect it. Preserve it.

After finding this PSA ad on Tsunami stats, I wanted to target Japan for its 2011 Tsunami, and the meaning of its international context used in this specific PSA. This PSA caught my attention right off. Then the caption adds a whole different aspect to this meaning.

9/11 was one of the most devastating times in America’s history. Many lives were lost others were destroyed. On September 11, 2001 two planes hit the Twin Towers, another hit the Pentagon and crashed in a field on the way to another destination. Those four planes altered the lives of thousand. American’s felt violated, was in fear, and astonished of the affect.

This image is of New York in America, where the 9/11 attacks happen, and only two planes hit and traumatized the country. In this image there are several planes flying towards the building at the same time. The impact would be 100 times more devastating than what we experienced. Thus, explaining the caption, “The tsunami killed 100 times more people than 9/11, the planet is brutally powerful. Respect it. Preserve it.”

Although, I had seen the aftermath of the Tsunami that hit Japan in 2011, and learned of the fatalities. I had never truly stopped and thought of the affect this natural disaster had on Japan. This image helps put the affect that the Tsunami truly had on Japan into perspective. This photographic PSA is dramatic, but it does make a valid point, therefore I believe that it has met its expectation of the organizer. However, this image supports a harsh truth that many may not be able to handle. This PSA would be more accepted internationally, in places such as Japan than in America. This photo may be held as evidence that different media messages may be more or less receptive internationally.

              One reason I feel this ad may be more accepted in other countries other than America is because at first site this image is just an attack on America, which Americans won’t like. Another is reason may be because Americans may feel as if this PSA is mocking America’s tragedy or belittling the 9/11 incident. Whereas, in other countries internationally would see this PSA as a positive message. Japan would feel proud of this message and their country, for surviving what they been through. Countries who have been devastated by Tsunamis may see this PSA as hope where America may see this ad as more terror.

            Different people, cultures, and religions have different beliefs and may each perceive things differently. An image that may be seen one way in one culture, may represent and be seen differently in other countries. That is why there are different theories and context for international communication.  Paul Lazarsfeld, analyzed a study with Harold Lasslow associated with the formula, “who says what in which channel to who with what effect.” (William B. Gudykunst, 2001) To learn these channels and how to communicate on an international level we use communication context.  

             The cross-situational consistency debate in psychology has been important for the field of communication because it has caused scholars to realize that there are trait and situationist approaches to communication. (Theory, 2009) This theory fit this situation because it was Talking about 9/11 or the 2011 Tsunami in Japan to either culture who dealt with that situation and each culture would be vulnerable, emotional and would explain how traumatically how this affected their lives and their culture. Therefore, it is imperative that we are careful what we say and how we approach people of sensitive subjects.

             In intercultural or international communication this is where face negotiation theory comes into play at. Face negotiation theory explains intercultural conflict and how people from different cultures work through the various cultural and communicative obstacles to get resolution based on mutual respect and communication competence. (Theory, 2009) This theory is an important in intercultural communication, as well as explains how different messages can be interpreted differently in by other cultures and countries.

            This PSA is very powerful, and has a powerful message too it. However, we have learned through international communication context theories and studies as PSA’s such as these can be perceived in and interpreted differently by different people. That is why we must incorporate these theories, be open to learn of others values and ethics and be able adapt to them to be able to communicate effectively, relay messages, or influence/persuade someone.

References

Cartwright, M. S. (2009). Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. New York: Oxford University Press.

Potter, W. J. (2012). Media Effects. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Theory, C. C. (2009). Dominic A Infante, Anderw S. Rancer, Theodore A.Avtgis. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt Punlishing Company.

William B. Gudykunst, B. M. (2001). Handbook of international and intercultural communication. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications Inc.