Visual Literacy

"I don't like art."
Does it blow your mind when you hear someone say they don't like art? When I hear someone say they don't care about art, of any sort, it seems like they just haven't found what they might appreciate about art yet.. Of course I hear "I don't like reading," a lot and it hurts even more because I am a librarian-- but I realize that reading and finding sanctuary in reading is actually a luxury... That diatribe is for another time.
For now, I will express my concern that "Literacy" of all kinds needs to be addressed as a humanitarian issue. Starting with people not being able to interpret visual information and what that might mean to our society.
As a librarian I am concerned with "Information Literacy" by profession. The American Library Association defines this as: "Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."
The International Federation of Library Associations is advocating for the United Nations to address the Information Literacy needs of the world as a measure to develop a sustainable society... This is a huge task and will take many years to chip away at the goals involved.. but at least it's out there and people are working on it in a systematic way.
The list below is missing Scientific Literacy, Financial Literacy and perhaps a few other important ones! But here is a basic outline of "New Literacy" found on the National Writing Project website from Antero Garcia:

a list with some brief definitions:

     1. Digital Literacy- Cognitive skills that are used in executing tasks in digital environments

     2. Computer Literacy- Ability to use a computer and software

     3. Media Literacy- Ability to think critically about different types of media

     4. Information Literacy-Ability to evaluate, locate, identify, and effectively use info

     5. Technology Literacy- The ability to use technology effectively in several different ways

     6. Political Literacy- Knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in political matters

     7. Cultural Literacy- The knowledge of one's own culture

     8. Multicultural Literacy- The knowledge and appreciation of other cultures

     9. Visual Literacy- The ability to critically read images

Is Visual Literacy being addressed in a similar way to how information literacy and some others are being addressed? Is this not seen as an urgent matter? I find it disturbing that people disregard the importance of evaluating visual information. What caused me to examine this issue is the recent symbol used in the "Peace for Paris" awareness logo design all over Instagram and social media. I made the mistake of thinking just one person was posting this in very poor taste, but then realised the image became "viral" from the work of artist Jean Jullian. I don't mean to critique the work of the International Visual Literacy Association, I'm just not sure what their plan is and would like to know more about how visual literacy can be addressed.
To be clear, Instagram is bringing images to people who really aren't well informed about many things-- which is good and bad.. So many didn't go over to Google to find out what the news story in Paris is, they were just asking random others about "what happened in Paris?" I realise now that many of the people on Instagram are young-- and perhaps digital natives who aren't really cognizant of what a news source can provide or what reliable journalism is-- this is all shaky ground right now anyway.. What credentials do bloggers have? If you've read this far, you will realize, I don't have an editor! So, my questions for you are:
1. Does this look like an anarchy symbol to you?
2. Should individuals use caution in posting an image that could be seen as in poor taste or inflammatory or perhaps further exacerbate a security concern? Or is that part of the freedom of expression we enjoy in contemporary social media?
3. Has Instagram downgraded our visual experience? Or has it brought images to a wider audience in a beneficial way?

I'm not an expert in etiquette or visual literacy, but every time I see that symbol it makes me feel unsettled, as if the image is celebrating the act of terrorism. But perhaps that is just a visual literacy interpretation and overly compassionate sensitivity, fueled by self-interest and fear...
The artist himself has not addressed the criticisms of his drawing in his interview with Wired, and this is the latest interview I've read.

I realise the popularity of this image was surprising for artists and everyone else. The "viral" nature of the image circulating so soon after the event also didn't give people much time to think and evaluate. As someone form New York, who lived there in the early 2000's I also realise this is really an awful, stressful and plain disgusting time for the city of Paris. People were only trying to express themselves in a way they felt would be helpful and provide support. But a discussion about visual literacy seems to be relevant right now for the world at large. Are we heading towards being a thoughtful and well-informed society or becoming more reactionary and impulsive?
Your feedback in the comments would be helpful and interesting.