Humans are complex beings. Compared to different species, humans experience conditions well embedded in complex webs of memories, present states and future expectations. If humans have critical rites of passage including most notably birth, marriage and death (each loaded by emotions and ideations defined largely by cultural frameworks in which groups of similar communities interact), a human condition can, accordingly, be defined based on resultant interactions between such critical rites or, more broadly, based on given characteristics, key events and situations composing essentials of one or another human condition. The range of human conditions is, indeed, limitless and can span spectra spanning most abstract and material conditions. For current purposes, specific examples are required in order to better illustrate how a human condition is expressed, developed or disseminated.
First, Bill Clinton wins Illinois primary in March 17, 1992 (Clary, AFP & Getty Images, 1992) as shown in Figure 1, Appendix. The image shows both Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton celebrating a hard fought win in a saga which would conclude by winning presidential elections later in 1992. The condition shown in image can be described, if anything, as joy. Indeed, Bill – and, for that matter, Hillary – hails from modest background as to justify his extreme joy of winning primary elections. Rising in ranks from a junior lawyer fighting with his young wife to make ends meet all way up to a U.S. presidential candidate is at least a big reason to celebrate and hence joy. The joy exhibited in shown image is interpreted into a semi hallelujah act of praise to God, a broad smile and eyes lifted up (not down to voters or convention participants) to God (or probably a Big supporter). The image is complemented by Hillary's ecstatic shout and paralyzed hands (out of extreme joy).
Second, John F Kennedy experiences a condition of conflict ("Untitled photo of JFK and José Miró Cardona," n.d.) and as shown in Figure 2, Appendix) as he listens to José Miró Cardona, President of Cuban Revolutionary Council (CRC), a coalition of anti-Castro organizations which worked with JFK's Administration to plan Bay of Pigs invasion (Cuban Heritage Collection, 2011). This moment is significant not only for JFK but also for future U.S.-Cuba relations. The moment captures JFK's condition of conflict pretty well. Having USSR in mind as actual strategic enemy U.S. would ultimately face (and, not least, using nuclear power), JFK is shown frowning, eyes slightly closing and, most notably, his hands folded behind his back. If conflict is a demanding human condition given how stressful accompanying emotions are, conflict becomes even more demanding for a high profile official (one of world's super powers back in 1960s) as he juggles limited options each could lead to broad consequences far beyond immediate political context.
Third, John McCain, a war veteran and long-standing, Republican politician experiences a condition of deep sorrow (Getty Images, 2008) as shown in Figure 3, Appendix. As a prisoner of war during Vietnam War, McCain has long been celebrated as a national hero who maintained his composure during his moment of ordeal. Against a long history in war and politics, McCain running against a rookie, Barak Obama, had, one would assume, an almost deep faith of his victory. For a U.S. veteran and seasoned politician to admit his loss as is shown in image captured from his concession speech, deep sorrow can only capture his human condition, a condition which would develop later into another more volatile one, anger. Needless to explain, McCain's condition is illustrated by his hand movements which appear to push away curious crowds.
References
Clary, T., AFP, & Getty Images. (1992). CNN. Retrieved May 11, 2016 from http://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/18/opinion/zelizer-can-hillary-clinton-win-over-left/
Cuban Heritage Collection. (2011). Cuban Memories: The 50th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion. Cuban Heritage Collection. Retrieved May 11, 2016 from http://library.miami.edu/chc/tag/cuban-memories/
Getty Images. (2008). CNN. Retrieved May 11, 2016 from http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/05/mccain.anatomy.loss/index.html?iref=nextin
Untitled photo of JFK and José Miró Cardona. (n.d.). Cuban Heritage Collection. Retrieved May 11, 2016 from http://library.miami.edu/chc/tag/cuban-memories/
Appendix
Figure 1. Bill Clinton shows condition of joy.
Figure 2. JFK shows condition of conflict.
Figure 3. John McCain shows condition of sorrow.
