Ebony Martin
ENC 1101
“The Problem We All Live With.” 1963
Norman Rockwell captured the woes of attending public education as a Black American back in 1963 with “The Problem We All Live With”. Although Ruby Bridges’ experience is incomparable, is it still painstakingly obvious that our schools are still segregated by classism, under-protected, and unsafe for our society’s children. Norman’s painting paid extremely well attention to detail. The anonymity of the men walking her into school for protection, the tomatoes splattered against the wall, and Ruby Bridges carrying her head and her book high at 6. This image is painfully still a reality today in a sense. With AP African American studies under attack, specifically in our state, it is imperative we have this conversation as a society. Have things changed much since Ruby Bridges? Was it Norman Rockwell‘s intention to capture such an everlasting situation?
Ruby Bridges was a child, aged 6, who was subjected to the ill feelings of adult people without restraint. These people despised the thought of a young black child pursuing education. Norman captures that reality within the painting by clearly sending the message the Ruby was not welcome. Adults who could not look beyond her physical attributes and recognize the genius in all minds? We all deserve a chance! Starting with a quality and whole education, free of bias. Where would be as a society if all these barriers did not exist? The breakdown of the artistic values of the photo gives a more in-depth look at how meticulous every detail in this painting was.
Color is one of the most important aspects of this photo. What would the cultural significance be if race were not the focal point of the picture? In plain words, it gives the photo depth. Ruby is obviously a black child and, given the history of racism in American, race was an important aspect in 1963 and to this photo. For other example, the pale colors of the bodyguards’ suits give an “official” feeling. This points to the fact that Ruby is likely being escorted by people designated to be there for her protection. If this picture did not highlight the tones of skin or the color of what each person is wearing, would its significance still be recognizable?
(Rockwell)
Lines are the most inquisitive visual aspect of the photo to me. There could be lines anywhere in a picture. This photo reflects lines that not only build the atmosphere but give significance to the clothing/genders of the subject and were used to form the “N” word in the background that really gave the photo its great significance. Without lines, a lot of photos would lose their significance and even sense of reality. The lines in “The Problem We All Live With” are mostly rigid and firm. This gives a sense of firm realism and coldness that makes the photo real and extremely sad, for most. Could THAT word be written without lines? Can you draw people accurately without them?
Unfortunately, in a society where race precedes all, education is impacted the most. Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live With” cemented that into truth, visually. Segregation in education in America was amplified by this photo and sparked a generationally conversation that is still happening today. African American AP studies was just recently banned in Florida because of ONE politician’s personal view about Critical Race Theory. Is it just for a human to deny the existence and quality of life of an entire people because of subjective opinions? From 1963 to this day, race and inequality still corrode our educational system and many other aspects of our society from the inside out. While uncomfortable, it is important that this topic continues to be at the forefront of our generation’s history. If not for our survival, at least for the generations of the future.
Works Cited
Rockwell, Norman. “”The Problem We All Live With” – Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) – Google Arts & Culture.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-problem-we-all-live-with-norman-rockwell-1894-1978/qwGpXUCsX0RPAQ. ReplyForward
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