Although I was unable to locate the original source of this photograph, it was published on June 5, 2013 on a blog of the Greenwich Village society to commemorate the forty fifth anniversary of RFK's sudden death. For today's audience, the photograph is intended for the citizens of Greenwich Village who hope to learn about the history behind the location where they reside. The audience of 1968 would probably see this photograph as evidence of Robert Kennedy's influence on the shaping of the United States at that time. What is most likely a great example of his impact is that both blacks and whites were able to put past their racial differences to mourn this prominent politician. Both races are standing side by side as equal citizens. This appeals to both races as it proves they can cooperate, even if it revolves around a time of grief. The power behind the photo is in the fact that such a variety of people can converge and attempt to follow Kennedy's wishes for cooperation and equality that were evidenced in the speech after MLK's assassination. There remains hope for the future for later collaboration between all races in America.
Natasha Virjee
Nice analysis. I like how you made the connection that both races are the audience of the rhetorical photograph. Do you think it appeals more to blacks then whites because there is a higher percentage of them in the photo?
ReplyDeleteI like how you analyzed audiences back then and now. You say that the picture shows Kennedy's influence. I agree that that is what makes this picture so striking; he was supported by all kinds of people.
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