Ian Fraser - Using Past As Prevention

Using Past As Prevention:

Documenting Tragedies is the Best Protection

The best way to prevent hate crimes and war is to learn from and observe past events. The tragedies of war are often expertly documented through photos and pictures. Journalist Malcolm Browne's photograph of Quang Duc during his self-immolation is a very powerful photo that showcases the horror of the persecution of religion in 1963. Mr. Tarus' edited photo of Normandy Beach “Courage of Those Who Came Before Us” humanizes the battle of Normandy Beach using the contrast of time. “North vs South - Civil War” by an unknown artist uses symmetry to show the barbaric nature of war which pins brother against brother. Finally, Lee Teter's painting, “Reflections” remembers the fallen lives of soldiers through the reflection in the Veterans Wall Memorial. These all use textual elements to represent war in a way that encourages peace.

Malcolm Browne's photo of Quang Duc's self-immolation places Duc in the middle of the foreground with onlooking Buddhist monks in the background. Placing Duc in the midground with a variety of activities in the background is symbolic of how overlooked this problem was. Duc is andled profile to the camera to express the fact that this was not a publicity stunt, but a genuine raise of awareness for the discrimination based on race happening. This photograph is a reminder that no matter how small or discrete a problem may seem, it does not mean it should be overlooked.

Mr. Tarus' image of Normandy Beach “Courage of Those Who Came Before Us” uses  juxtaposition by imposing a photo taken during the invasion of Normandy Beach on a peaceful picture of his wife and his daughter on the same spot dozens of years later.

The picture, “North vs South - Civil War” uses symmetry to humanize the war; showing brother fighting brother in a balanced scene. The symmetry of this scene shows balance in the civil war. It’s message is not that both sides’ beliefs had merit, but that they are all simply people in the end, the only thing distinguishing them is the flag they fly and colors they wear. This image’s message is that everyone in war are people, and that fact should not be forgotten in battle.

Lee Teter's painting, “Reflections”, uses the reflection of fallen soldiers in the Vietnam Memorial Wall to symbolize the memory of the people who died in the war. War is often remembered through its battles, but using this picture, Teter honors the memory of the people who fought and died in it. He also uses emotion to convey his message that people should not have to be killed to bring peace, with his likeness looking disheartened in regard to the death of his fellow man. Both these elements show that war should be remembered and thought of as a respectful cause, but one that should not have to be necessary.

In conclusion, these images are used to show that the strongest defense against future wars is the memories of past ones..