Time is an expression of
change. Change is the vehicle by which the world turns. Whether it can be seen
or not, whether it is admitted or not, almost everything is in a constant state
of change. Bruce Davidson set out to capture one of the most dynamic turning
points of a shifting American society. Thirteen photographs are incapable of
seizing all of the tensions and feelings that were rampant though the five year
period in which they were taken. Of all the change to be had, Davidson chose to
concern himself with the fluctuation of the racial divide. He knew that when
those drastic times ended the world would be a very different place.
The arrangement of images
isn’t presented instead in chronological order. Instead it’s given to
interpretation as a story of varying recognition, organization, force, tolerance,
and acceptance. The pattern lends itself to more skilled narrators, but more
important than the sequence is the theme. Davidson is displaying the distancing
and distain of an entire race. It’s more obvious in the pictures that show
unfair or cruel treatment. Still in others, displaying the large gatherings of
black people fighting for rights, any reasonable person could be left to
question why that might be necessary.
One of the most
important aspects of this series is the perspective from which the photos were
taken. It is as the title says, on the street. Most of these images by
themselves do not represent a single event of historical importance. These are
the sights of real, everyday life. These are the uninterrupted views of the common
man. Among these are photographs of marches and a demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial.
Why? Those were not easily avoided events. To make this sampling of the times
accurate, Davidson included the immense occurrences that filled the streets
which were otherwise occupied by turmoil.
In a somber list of
things that happened, Davidson seems to maintain his indifference as much as a
person can standing on the other side of the timeline. He saved one of his most
thought-provoking photographs for last. It’s a young black girl sitting peacefully
on a porch with a white doll. It’s also presented as having been taken early
during Davidson’s “Time of Change.” Is it to be understood to be a catalyst?
How does it represent change? Is it intended to show the inhumanity of the
times to come?
Regardless of his
exact intention, it’s clear that Davidson had the foresight to know that there
was a change on the horizon. He could see a change from the streets that would
impact every aspect of an entire country and now we can see a little of it too.
You have a very structured form of writing to me. It seems that you have a goal and you write your way to it in a very neat way. I think the word 'neat' describes the way you write very well. It is nice to read something that's both clear and easy to read, despite the heavy topics.
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