I created a visual argument based on my Synthesis Essay about how social norms control people’s behavior. My intended audience is college students and young adults because they experience a lot of pressure to fit in, follow trends, and meet expectations from society, school, and social media. This audience cares about identity, freedom, and being accepted, but they may not always notice how much social rules influence their choices.

The main image in my visual argument shows shackles around a person’s feet, which represents how social norms act like chains. These norms limit people’s freedom and make them feel trapped, even when there are no physical barriers. The shackles symbolize invisible pressure that tells people how to dress, speak, act, or think in order to be accepted.

Another image used was this:

This image shows how social rules and norms control what people are allowed to say or believe. In the first panel, a person says, “people should be who they want,” and society reacts calmly, showing approval when ideas match accepted beliefs. In the second panel, when the person says, “but there are only 2 genders,” society becomes angry and aggressive, showing how the group reacts negatively when someone challenges dominant social expectations. This contrast shows that social norms create invisible rules about which opinions are acceptable. Because of this pressure, people may stay silent or agree with the majority to avoid rejection or punishment, which connects to the idea that social norms act like shackles that control behavior without using physical force.