The Idea of an Essay, Volume 4

82 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 4 message. Because they are standing in front of the White House, the photographer captures an effective setting. Due to the symbolism of both the White House and the American flag, the setting appears ironic. While the White House symbolizes strength and power, these women protest inaction and weakness. While the American flag symbolizes freedom and equality, these women protest brutality and discrimination. The perspective of the photograph gives the impression that although the viewer wishes to view the beauty and symbolism of the White House and the flag, she must first confront the image of these women standing resolutely in front of the White House protesting inequality. Because the American flag is so high in the sky and theWhite House so lofty, they almost appear inauthentic compared to the visceral display below. Though the angle of the photograph is powerful, its influence would be lost without the evocative text. The photograph’s text compels the viewer towards empathy for the women’s plight. The women portrayed hold three different signs that produce a unique effect. The sign, “Negroes are Americans too, Protect them” evokes sadness within the viewer. He realizes the failure of the American President to recognize these black individuals as Americans. “Stop Brutality in Alabama” not only causes sadness but also stirs up anger on behalf of these women. The last sign climaxes the viewer’s emotions with a powerful message to the President: “Mr. President, how many must die before you act?” In addition to encompassing grief, sorrow, and anger, this last message fully forces the viewer’s world into perspective. Any American would have declared inaction to be scandalous after September eleventh, yet the photograph informs the viewer that back in the 1960s, Americans were murdered and the President did nothing. Though the women stand silent, their signs carry messages louder than they could ever scream. Because of the effective layout and compelling text, the photograph powerfully appeals to pathos−the emotion or humanity of a person. Specifically, the photograph forces the viewer to reflect on his responses and apply them to life. In addition to the printed signs, the women in the photograph tell a story. They tell a story of grief, anger, and hopelessness. One of the women is shown walking out of the photograph, away from the White House. The photograph that freezes the woman mid-walk makes her seem without hope, without purpose, and without options. Though she once stood for equality,