N.I.U.’s LGBT Studies—Penguin Poster Campaign—Analysis of Effectiveness

Shelley Graff, September 8, 2012, COMS697-00P7

*TEXT/Message =

Ø  First of all, the message's text speaks to the “naturalness” of LGBT behavior.  In other words, scientifically or biologically speaking this is not a phenomenon that is exclusively a part of human behavior.  Often, it seems that anti –gay arguments focus on the behavior’s supposed “abnormal” qualities; when in actuality, the animal kingdom showcases many instances in which such behaviors are quite commonplace. 

Ø  Secondly, it speaks to the uniquely human behavior of discrimination.  By illuminating the notion that intolerance (including discrimination of almost any sort) is taught (and therefore not innate), it highlights the abnormality or unnatural quality of such behaviors. 

Ø  Indeed, in this light we appear less sophisticated than our animal brethren.  By not accepting LGBT lifestyles as inherently existing amongst biological life forms, we set ourselves apart from so-called nature.  The only way to dispute the statement in question is to attempt to simply deny the science backing it. 

Ø  Brevity is essential to the sheer power of the text to make an impact, insofar as part of its cleverness is in its message’s simplicity.  A poetry professor of mine once said that a great writer says the most in the least amount of words…this appears to be a solid example of that notion in action.  In thirteen words resides an argument that appeals to logic and emotion, while simultaneously anticipating the opposition’s arguments and using their own warped claims against them. 

*IMAGE/Impact =

]  To begin with, the animal chosen for the image happens to be quite timely in respect to recent research that has been conducted regarding the widespread presence of homosexual behavior amongst penguins.  The message expands upon this notion by including many species of animal, so the penguin is merely a spokesperson—but a good one at that. 

]  Not to mention the fact that it is a pair of penguins who happen to be photographed in such a way that they appear to be engaged in an affectionate pose.  This speaks to the success of the species to express care for one another in the same ways that we humans do, regardless of the presence of non-offspring producing homosexual behaviors among many of the birds in the population.

]  There is an anthropomorphic aspect of this photograph, but it comes across as being wholly intentional, in that the viewer is expected to be able to see ourselves in them and them in ourselves.  Yet we are also expected to take notice of that which makes us very different.  

]  Frankly put—people love cuddly animals.  Even if animals fail to get an individual particularly excited, the affectionate implications of the image evoke powerful emotional responses in anyone who is loved in any way.  Whether you are a friend, a parent, or you simply have parents (which we all technically do), this image evokes an emotionally charged and shared characteristic between us and penguins that seems almost undeniable.  That being, we both love and care for—and are loved and cared for—by each other, especially by our friends and families. 

]  Perhaps part of the appeal of this image comes from the penguin’s generally harmonious and markedly cooperative social existence.  Right down to the specific kind of penguin shown—the emperor penguin.  This specific bird is renowned for its shared parenting responsibilities, particularly the fact that the males stay and sit on the egg for months on end while the females are out doing the hunting.  Their instinctually determined gender roles make for a solid argument in favor of progressive (i.e., “more flexible”) gender roles within our own society. 

]  Honestly, who hates penguins? 

*QUESTIONS/CONCERNS =

v  Why (given the reported success of the poster) is this poster’s image not on the website or the Facebook page or the Twitter feed or any online aspect of the group’s platform? 

v  I would have already scanned it in to my computer, but unfortunately my scanner is not big enough. 

v  Furthermore, why not make it a series instead of just a poster?  You would merely have to switch out the penguin photo for another of the 1,500 species of animal that it refers to (also in some sort of friendly situation/pose), and leave the text exactly the same.  Not to say that each variation would have to be made in to its own poster per say; indeed, online such images could be included anywhere throughout the social media platform for free.  Perhaps even a few of the better spinoffs could make appearances as printed media—yet, said printing could all be done here, and then the resulting posters could be put up around key spots on N.I.U.’s campus only.  I figure people love animals and the more kinds of animals shown, the more likely the program’s message will reach every passing person—it achieves this by making the campaign more interesting, i.e. increasing the initial image variety in a such a highly localized place; as well as increasing the likelihood an individual will respond positively to the particular animal being shown.