In recent years, there has been concern over the rising numbers of violent crimes in the United States. Crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI 2011) indicate that 58% of murder victims are youthful African Americans. The trend is estimated to rise since in 2011, the prevalence was 58% which was 8% more than it was in 2007. Young men and boys of color are therefore the most vulnerable populations when it comes to violence. The photo chosen was appropriate to this issue because it addresses the concern that the African American community has over the rampant deaths of their youth.
The photograph was taken by Scott Olson in Chicago in 2009. At the time, Mr. Olson used to work as a freelance photographer in Chicago. The photograph was retrieved from the Guardian, a British daily newspaper. The photograph was untitled. The poster of the young child was produced by Cure Violence an organization that has been fighting against gun violence for the last 12 years. Cure Violence was initially known as Ceasefire until the organization changed its name in September, 13, 2012. The organization has adopted a public health approach to the issue of gun violence (Jim, 2009) . The poster explores the issue of violence in the United States from the African American point of view.
The fist obvious symbolism on the poster is the black and white color that is used. The image of the child and the words “Don’t shoot, I want to grow up” capture the attention of the viewer immediately. The small boy’s image is highlighted in the image and his words represent the voice of the children against violence. From the onset, one can tell that the image is a protest against violence.
The symbolisms in the background of the images give additional meaning to its interpretation (Barthes 57). The attire and the posture of the four women in the background show their position of power relative to each other. The two white police women on the right are readily identifiable from their uniform. They are standing next to a white police van. Their posture is indicative of their authority, confidence and power. On the left side of the photo are two African American women. Both of them are facing away from the police officers. One seems to them is wearing a casual t-shirt and khaki pants. She has folded her arms across her chest. This posture is universally interpreted as defensive, in this case, a possible reaction against violence. A comparison of the four women in the background shows that the white women on the right are more powerful and confident than the black women on the left. From this we can conclude that African Americans are the oppressed raced.
Before looking at the photo, one would assume that African Americans are usually the aggressors in violent situation. However, the image contradicts this notion. Through the use of the young child’s “voice”, it is clear that the image depicts African Americans as victims of violence. The child speaks for the youthful African American population that is at risk from the epidemic of violence that has hit the American society. The facial expression of the lady holding the picture evolves a strong emotional response. From looking at her, one can see and feel her sadness. It is possible to conclude that her sadness is caused by the death of the student and the threat that violence poses to other young people.
In conclusion, the image reinforces the claims that African Americans are minorities who are victims of violence. This theory can be proven by a simple division of the characters into two parts. Using the concept of binary opposition (Cartwright, Douglas & Sturken 29) we divided the background of the image to two equal parts. This created a binary contrast between black and white; those who care about the plight of black youths and those who are least concerned such as the police officers focusing in the opposite direction. In the end, the image still creates a strong response in the viewer which might result in substantive solutions to the concerns of violence against African American youths.
Work Cited
Barthes, Roland. Elements of Semiology. New York: Noonday Press, 1968. Print.
Jim. “Chicago Youth Violence is An Epidemic” Renovo Media.7 Oct . 2009. Web. 20 March. 2013.
Sturken, Marita, Susan J. Douglas, and Lisa Cartwright. Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. Don Mills, Ont: Oxford, 2012. Print.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Crime in the United States 2011”. Uniform Crime Reports. 0CT 2012. Web 20 March. 2013. < http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011>
