Official Dimensions of the Euro Sign

So, I saw this official dimension of the Euro graphic, and it has sparked in me a new wonder. First of all, it has made me realize the geometry inherent in all of our symbols. How beautiful. When I learned how to make the letter A, I did so without an understanding and awareness of triangles, yet somehow I made shapes that folks could tell was pretty much an "A." But secondly, it has left me wondering about what necessity prompted the publication of this sacred geometric transparency of the Euro? Was the designer warding off counterfeiters of shape and style, or merely communicating with precision the intent of the symbol's design. And, how much of a variance in this visual would my eye actually detect? For example, certainly I can tell when the whole symbol has a height of 20 feet rather than one inch, but what of the length of the crossbars in relation to the nearly closed circle? Would I take a second look and notice that something was "just not quite right" if I saw a version with the crossbars extending out too far?

I found out through a bit of Googling that the designer of this significant symbol has actually missed the fame and fortune due to him, it seems. Arthur Eisenmenger was nearly 90 a few years ago and living in a retirement home. I couldn't find evidence of his death, so I hope he is among us and doing well. For what it's worth, Mr. Eisenmenger, I find your design very beautiful and visually impactful and efficient.

But what does this have to do with visual literacy? Perhaps in some cultures, immediate response and recognition of this Euro symbol would be necessary for daily living and communication and, therefore, an expectation of literacy. But if I'm an 11-year old South American student and don't know this symbol, people would not likely consider that evidence of my illiteracy. So, just when does a visual symbol move into any given individual's realm of "necessary symbols for literacy"? In other words, when does it enter the visual culture? I'm interested in these ideas, so please let me know what you think!

Visual Literacy - Venn Diagrams in Particular

I've been thinking a lot about venn diagrams, which I realize might be sad, but I do have a serious question about them. They often include words, obviously, but after the initial setup with words, do they then communicate with a language shortcut? To me, it seems as if the venn diagram structure (as a successful visual and structural meme) does afford us a language shortcut, much like an inside joke between you and every other visually literate person out there. Certainly, venn diagrams are a pedestrian visual meme, but it's their common use that reinforces their utility! In thinking about what other visual memes also convey with the clout of frequency, I initially thought of the good ol' circle with the slash through it. The International Organization for Standardization (an entity I never even knew was protecting me) calls this symbol the official "no" symbol. Zombies. Now zombies with a slash through it. So much linguistic efficiency.

Welcome.

Welcome to Common Core - Visual Literacy for a New Generation. I'm Dr. Barbara Long Bishop, and I'm glad you've found this blog.

Here in my corner of the Internet, I aim to discuss the implications of our increasingly visual world. How do we respond effectively as educators in a new Common Core ELA curriculum?
Please contact me at japrufrock@ymail.com or add your comments to this dialogue. I'd love to hear about your opinions and experiences in your schools.