Image Analysis

http://nt-michaeljordan.blogspot.com/2009/10/michael-jordan-i-believe-i-can-fly.html

The image posted above is of Michael Jordan from the 1988 slam dunk contest held on February 7, 1988 at the Chicago Bulls’ home stadium. It was from this moment seen in the image that Michael Jordan was regarded as the one of the greatest slam dunkers of all time. The point of view of this image intensifies his perpetual influence over society and basketball. As seen in the background, all eyes are focused on Jordan’s one shot. The thrilling apprehension of his next move is captivated in the viewer’s eyes. The proportion of Jordan relative to the audience shows the impact his shot had on the crowd. When looking at this image, an observer feels as if they are watching Michael Jordan slam dunk in front of their very own eyes, enhancing the conventional aspects of this photograph. However, the popularity and manipulation of this single slam-dunk through media serves as an unconventional twist to his winning shot.

http://www.culture-buzz.com/blog/Nike-Branded-Sports-Rituals-2025.html

Michael Jordan making the winning shot for the slam-dunk contest

 in the 1988 NBA All-Star Game at the Chicago Bulls' home stadium.

By adding text to the image, the viewer could truly understand the talent and significance of this momentous shot without judging based on the popular knowledge of Michael Jordan. The addition of text to this image can draw the interpretation away from notorious facts and towards his prodigious talents. When following a narrative pattern, the viewer’s thoughts are dictated and guided, which takes away from the potential power the image has. The incessant changes of an image signify the constantly changing observations of the viewer. Adding text about the time period, Jordan’s biographical background, or his competition guides the audience to assess the athlete not only based on what is seen in the image.

Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963 (my birthday!!) in Brooklyn, New York. However, it was after moving to Wilmington, North Carolina where he was cut from the varsity basketball team for being too short. Luckily, his dreams had far exceeded his height. Knowing that it did not always come easy for Jordan helps the observer judge him not only based on his skill, but on his tenacious goals and determination. Driven to win back-to-back slam-dunk contests, Jordan had to weigh his chances in an ambitious battle versus Dominique Wilkins. Explaining this aids to the admiration for Michael Jordan and his talented nature. The French philosopher Roland Barthes argues that, “writing defies adherences to a single interpretation or perspective.” I agree with this theory because the way that words determine how we view an image, changing the image lets us interpret based on our own assumptions. Narration of an image enforces conformity to the text.