The Importance of Art and Visual Media in American Studies

Abstract

Images—whether they are fine art, advertising, or photographs— are never impartial and objective. American history is replete with the consequences of the political use of imagery. There is growing evidence that visual media constructs cultural cohesion, nationality, patriotism, social status, and identity. The human brain acquires seventy-five percent of information through images and that visual learning is far more effective than conventional learning methods. Higher education has not been spared from this global upheaval. In the United States, scholars across academic disciplines recognize that traditional educational structures are not working, and more universities are moving away from disconnected academic curricula toward interdisciplinary ones. A course on the American Dream is a perfect example. Norman Rockwell, a masterful visual communicator, understood how to create powerful messages that evoked strong emotional responses through painting the experiences of ordinary Americans. The combination of visual and textual language in American Studies courses leads to an astute analysis of contemporary American culture and governmental policies. Visual literacy must become integrated throughout all academic disciplines to counteract the reduction of complex topics and competing ideologies to social media memes. The curriculum most prepared to do this is American Studies.