Instructions for Visual Image Analysis of Despair, Hope, and the American Dream

Instructions:

     Before our next class meeting, start a New Post in this forum that contains both images that you selected. Beneath each image, write at least one thoughtful paragraph that explains 1) why the particular issue that this image represents is so important for the American Dream and 2) how this issue affects American society or American identity. Remember that the primary audience for your analysis is your fellow students, some of whom will see the world as you do, and some of whom will not. You should aim to convince other students of the persuasiveness of your analysis of these images.

Below is an example of this assignment that I have submitted to model what a post for this assignment might look like.

Jordana's Visual Images of Despair and Hope

Image of Despair: Inequality
 

Analysis: I believe that the greatest source of despair in American society is the growing inequality between the wealthy and working poor and much of the government’s indifference to this widening chasm. The middle class is being hollowed out, making it harder if not impossible, to achieve the traditional American Dream. The corporate influence in American politics allows our politicians to turn a blind eye to this great divide, or what journalist Timothy Noah calls “the great divergence.” Wall Street interests and major corporations wield too much influence in our political system, leaving the common person to fight tooth and nail for a chance at the quickly fading American Dream. This image captures the despair I feel about inequality, as a destitute man cowers on his knees, begging for money from the indifferent businessmen who walk past. None of the other figures in this photo looks directly at the man or makes eye contact with him; rather, he is conveniently shoved aside as the privileged class pursues its dreams of wealth. I find it significant that the privileged men are standing and walking, while the marginalized man appears crippled and even dehumanized as he rests on his knees. This shows the stark invisibility and powerlessness of those who lack access to the fading American Dream.

Image of hope: Occupy Wall Street protestors

 

Analysis: This image evokes hope and optimism for me. I admired the early Occupy Wall Street protestors for their determination, courage, and conviction, even if they appeared to lack a singular focus or plan. They raised awareness of the growing divide between the "1%" and the "99%," and even though no concrete political changes emerged from the movement, they at least raised America's awareness of inequality as an unavoidable aspect of American life. What struck me about this image in particular is that the protestor here is not the stereotypical white, college-educated, disillusioned millenial, but rather a young, innocent looking African American girl. If the face of the "99%" is that of an innocent child, the image seems to be saying that we should take seriously the growing divide in wealth, for the sake of our children. The image of this child evokes sympathy and concern, and subverts standard perceptions of Occupy Wall Street as a group of aimless, impractical young adults.