The Vine and the Fish - Empathy
6
By Abigail Kennedy-Dominguez
plain
2023-12-07T06:31:04+00:00
In this clip from The Vine and the Fish, we see multiple examples of the naming of invasive species specifically noting the origin of the plants (Hook). As it's later explained in the web comic, the naming directly addresses certain communities and projects a negative stereotype onto them. The comic uses detailed, accurate illustrations of the plants to show that they are not invasive species that take over but are capable of adding value to the environment and being important resources. It's important to note this in the comic because, while a lot of raw statistics are being thrown out, we must also maintain the perspective that everything and everyone has worth and beauty.
In their article Can Digital Fiction Be Therapy?, Nair et. al. adds, "furthermore, audio visual media can express emotional subtleties that are difficult to express in words and create higher recognition and relevance for people accustomed to postmodern media forms". The use of these illustrations to reference the invasive species develops the connection between the view and the narrative. We see that these plants, which have been the subject of so much criticism and negative attention, are actually really beautiful, deepening the impact of the comic's thesis that it's unfair and harmful to minorities to categorize the plants as an infestation.