I chose the photograph taken by Gordon Parks. This photograph includes a young boy, maybe about 15-16 years old, playing a trumpet. He is shirtless and is standing in front of an American flag, which seems to fill the background. The boy is turned so that he is facing right. Standing erect, the boy seems confident; full of responsibility and purpose. There is somewhat of an uncleanliness/dirtiness to his body, which possibly suggests that he spends a lot of time outdoors. Because of this observation, it can be further suggested that he is a part of an American boot camp, and he is assigned the responsibility of morning reveille.
In my opinion, the photograph represents somewhat of a resurrection of patriotism. The New Deal was a period of rebuilding; boosting morale, pride, and our economy. Given the time period, it seems most likely that the photo could be a call for nationalistic pride. The fact that the boy is looking to the right could be indicative of moving forward; continuing on, even though the times have been tough, recently. The inclusion of a young boy as the subject of the photograph may also signify calling on the next generation of Americans to rebuild the country. In other words, having faith that America’s youth will solve our problems and take the country by its reins.
