Kara Walker uses symbols and stereotypes to portray the racist views of the Deep South. She creates stereotypical images of black people with big noses and full lips. Her depiction of the white people seemed demonic in a way, as some were painted with horns like the Devil. She displays shadows in most of her works, adding depth to the images.
At first, when you look at her work, it all seems very chaotic. But as you close into one spot, you notice that individual stories are being told. The setting for a lot of these ‘’stories’’ seem to take place in swamps, or otherwise muddy environments. Walker depicts a lot of bloodshed, with innumerable accounts of beheadings, hangings, and stabbings. In some works, she illustrates Confederate flags standing tall, while the American flag lays ripped up on the floor.
The image above sends out a simple, yet powerful message. The religion of Islam has been grossly misconstrued since the wake of 9/11. A religion whose literal definition is peace today is seen as the forefront for all terrorist activity. The symbolic crescent moon and star of the religion waves proudly on the flags of predominantly Muslim nations. In this picture, however, it is being manipulated,taking on the image of a bomb. A major reason for why the religion has been viewed in a negative light is the because of the media’s portrayal of terrorist activity. Generally, when a Muslim person commits an act of terrorism, they are viewed as a terrorist. If a black person commits an act of terrorism, they are associated with gang activity. But when a white person commits an act of terrorism, the media takes a softer approach, usually blaming it on mental illness.
