Happiness By Steve Cutts Is An Example Of An Artifact 340629

Happiness By Steve Cutts Is An Example Of An Artifact Which Have De

Happiness by Steve Cutts is a short animated video that critiques contemporary society's pursuit of happiness through materialism. The video depicts rats symbolizing humans, running in a white background while a French song, "Habanera," plays in the background. This song, known for its themes of unpredictability and freedom, is juxtaposed with images of rats chasing after material possessions, highlighting the irony and critique of society's relentless pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment. The artifact employs visual storytelling, music, and symbolism to communicate its message effectively.

From an analytical perspective, the artifact exemplifies how visual and auditory elements combine to evoke emotional responses (pathos) and persuade the audience of its message. The use of the "Habanera" song generates an unsettling mood that underscores the futility of chasing material happiness. The rats, representing humans, are shown scurrying in a frantic race, illustrating modern life's obsession with consumerism. These visual cues, combined with the music's rhythm and tone, create a compelling emotional appeal that draws viewers into contemplating the true nature of happiness.

According to Bitzer’s rhetorical situation framework, the analysis of this artifact materializes through three core components: exigence, audience, and constraints. The exigence, or the urgent issue the artifact addresses, is society's misconception that happiness derives from material possessions. The video aims to challenge this perception by illustrating the emptiness and chaos created by consumerist pursuits. The intended audience is broad and includes individuals who amass material wealth, skeptics of consumerism, and those seeking genuine happiness. The persuasive strategy utilizes emotional appeals and visual symbolism to influence these diverse groups.

The constraints within the artifact include the visual imagery of rats, the rhythmic yet unsettling music, and the narrative structure that emphasizes the cyclical and destructive nature of materialism. The rats, shown in frenzied pursuit, are constrained by their environment and cultural norms that shape their behavior—reflecting real societal constraints. The emotional tone set by the music and imagery further constrains the viewer’s perception, making the message more impactful and difficult to ignore.

The artifact transmits meaning through various communication strategies. Visual elements serve as non-verbal communication that conveys critique and irony. The rat characters' behaviors symbolize human tendencies toward greed, desire, and dissatisfaction. The combination of imagery and music amplifies emotional engagement, persuading viewers that material possessions do not equate to happiness, aligning with the philosophical critique common in social commentary art forms.

Artifices like this utilize persuasive devices—particularly logos and ethos—to persuade the audience. Logos is evident in the depiction of materialism’s consequences: the rat caught in a trap chasing money, symbolizing how relentless pursuit of wealth traps individuals in a cycle of dissatisfaction. Ethos is subtly incorporated by aligning the creator’s message with societal critique, lending moral authority to the viewer’s reflection. The use of emotive music and distressing imagery fosters an emotional response, reinforcing the message to reconsider beliefs about happiness.

Studying artifacts such as this is significant because they reflect societal values, beliefs, and critiques embedded in visual and auditory communication. They provide insight into cultural perceptions of happiness, social struggles, and the influence of consumerism. Furthermore, understanding the persuasive techniques used assists in recognizing how messages are constructed and received, fostering critical media literacy and informed interpretation.

In conclusion, Steve Cutts’ “Happiness” is a potent communication artifact that employs visual symbolism, music, and rhetorical appeals to critique the materialistic pursuit of happiness. Analyzing this artifact through Bitzer’s rhetorical situation framework reveals how its components—exigence, audience, and constraints—work together to persuade viewers to reconsider societal values around happiness. It exemplifies how art and media can serve as powerful tools for social critique and reflection, encouraging audiences to question the true sources of fulfillment and contentment in modern life.

References

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