A Comparison of Current and Historical Social Issues of Race and Identity in America

A Comparison of Current and Historical Social Issues of Race and Identity in America.

Introduction:

Throughout the beginning of time, race and identity have been significant social issues in America. Disparities persist despite great advances in many areas. While some could contend that America has gone past the racial and identity issues of the past, contemporary occurrences seem to indicate otherwise. By examining four artworks, we hope to relate a contemporary social issue to a historical one in this exhibition. In order to motivate people to take action and emphasize the significance of studying history in order to prevent repeating it, our goal is to create a story about the problems with race and identity in America.

Current Social Issue:

Police brutality against African Americans is a current social problem that has gotten a lot of media attention. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other prominent black Americans' deaths have provoked widespread demonstrations and calls for institutional reform.

History social issue: Racial segregation in the southern United States was made legal by the Jim Crow laws, which were in place from the late 1800s through the middle of the 1960s. These laws served to uphold white supremacy, subjugate African Americans, and establish racial hierarchy.

Artworks:

"We Are Not Afraid" by Shepard Fairey (2017)

"The Two Ways of Life" by Oscar B. Castillo (1939)

"Strange Fruit" by Abel Meeropol (1937)

"Untitled (Policeman)" by Kerry James Marshall (2015)

Formal Analysis:

Shepard Fairey's "We Are Not Afraid" is a bold piece of artwork that depicts a woman of color with the words "We Are Not Afraid" emblazoned across the top. The color scheme is predominantly red, white, and blue, which may symbolize the American flag. The woman's head is held high, indicating strength and resilience. The element of color and the principle of proportion are evident in this artwork. The artist's identity as a white male impact how viewers interpret the artwork, as some may question the authenticity of his message of solidarity with communities of color.

Oscar B. Castillo's "The Two Ways of Life" is a photograph that contrasts two different worlds in America: one for white Americans and the other for black Americans. The white side of the photograph shows a well-dressed family enjoying leisure activities, while the black side shows a dilapidated home with a broken fence and an unkempt yard. The element of contrast and the principle of balance are evident in this artwork. The artist's identity as a Mexican American impact how viewers interpret the artwork, as some may question his understanding of the nuances of race and identity in America.