Author:
Wing Young Huie
Date:
2007
Published:
Inside the Springs
http://know.wingyounghuie.com/
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Summary:
At first glance, this photo may seem boring or dull. Especially so if the viewer's eyes are immediately drawn to the bare walls, the limited decorations in the room, and the modest appearance of the three male subjects of the photo. These traits may immediately give the viewer a sense of unexceptionality (that's not a word, but it should be) and disinterest.
However, if the viewer takes a moment to look deeper into the photo, they will begin to notice that every object in the room has a purpose in telling the story.
The main attention grabbers in this photo, at least to me, are the pictures held by two of the men seated in the photo. As soon as I saw them, combined with the appearance of the men and the state of their residence, I immediately guessed that they were migrant workers of some form. They hold what keeps them going each day: pictures of their loved ones who are still in their native country. The lamp sitting on the cheap folding chair lacks a lamp shade and the beds in the room are unadorned, showing either severe poverty or a poor taste in interior design (I would presume the former, not the latter). I noticed the book with the word "Larousse" on it and presumed (correctly) that it was some sort of language dictionary. The only thing in the picture that I did not immediately recognize its importance was the Disney-themed poster hanging on the wall behind a ceremonious lit candle. I initially thought it was just some cheap thing that the men found to spice up the décor in the room. Upon further examination, I found that it was in fact the their dream to one day visit Disney Land. "Only then would they know they had truly arrived". This was very powerful to me. It connotes the hope that the men possess, despite their hardships.
"Othering"
Margaret Atwood, like Wing Young Huie, uses "othering" to convey ideas. While Huie uses his character's visual appearance and symbolic objects to represent greater meaning, Atwood uses her character's thoughts and actions. For example, the main character and narrator, Offred, is rebellious and defiant to the Gileadean regime through her thoughts. She constantly remembers her life from the past and how happy she was with her husband, Luke, and their young daughter. She is always contemplating the possibility of salvation, either through escape, or more likely, death. Although Offred no longer has any pictures of her family to hold and cherish, she keeps them alive in her mind through flashbacks. She always holds on to a thin shred of hope that she will one day see her family again.
Wow looking deeply into this picture reveals a lot about the hopes and dreams of these people. It is very powerful that their dream is to go to Disney World when most of us have already been. Justin, do you think that the coloring of the picture has anything to do with the message? I believe that it may represent the need to dive deeper into pictures, not just look at the "black and white". Looking at the symbolism of the objects in the room really uncovers the true meaning of this photograph. I believe Huie uses the colorings of her pictures to convey a message and believe that this might help convey a message in this picture also.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Walter's comment- I loved how you brought in the value of perception (and also misconception) with the poster. Finding context to better understand the purpose beyond the image was vital and served you well.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great take to look at othering present in THT through Offred's thoughts- honestly, we are all others because we each have our own thoughts and opinions that separate us from one another.