Which do you think is more powerful: Kathryn Stockett’s novel or Gordon Parks’ photographs?

(Left: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, 2009, Right, American Gothic by Gordon Parks, 1942)

I believe that the extent to which text is more powerful depends on various factors due to the differences in nature between these text types.

Photographs and paintings are more effective in conveying the message across to the audience. It’s because we don’t need to know the historical background of the image or the identity of the photographer to be able to interpret the image. Sometimes we will tend to forget the details of photographs but the main message will often get across.

Books often depict the details a lot more. Which means that even after a long time, the message will still get across and be remembered by the readers. Unlike photographs which we tend to forget their details after some time. It takes more time for the audience to fully understand books (reading takes more time) compared to photographs.

Furthermore, photographs can convey their message more effectively in a short period of time. Famous photographs can even be remembered for generations. Whereas books, in general, will not be forgotten, although readers need to take time to understand and interpret the message the author is trying to convey.