Image Is Everything

Our readings this week were directed towards images. We were to analyze pictures and what we thought of them or what message was trying to be sent across. Well, my partner and I were given the images of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. In these two images, there are many similarities and differences in the messages being sent.

The lower picture is an painting on the side of a building in Chicago, while the other appears to be in Mexico. It is obvious because we know about the difference in structural design and also small clues that help the reader to identify the location. In the lower picture, there is a family immigrating into the United States, or at least that is message being sent here. However, if you look closely you see there is a man trapped behind a fence. This fence must symbolize the border between Mexico and the United States. This painting has more of an impact on society today because our president proposed to build a wall divided the two countries. This painting was not done before the presidents proposal so the way Americans view it now may be different.

The proposal to build a wall dividing the United States and Mexico has it's pros and cons. For example, many people may be for the building because it will help eliminate illegal immigrants from coming into the U.S. and taking away American jobs. On the other hand, The Virgin of Guadeloupe would not be for the increase in hostility. Overall, this picture can relate to the real world situation by showing people what religion would choose and we always believe that religious figures, such as the one on painting, would enjoy peace and harmony amongst all people. The picture even differs from the top in the way the people are represented. In the bottom, where there are no cracks on the building, they have color to their faces. This could be interpretted as the way Americans view their culture and people or that the Mexican mural did not have as detailed, gifted artists to design their picture.