The invention of photography carves a new understanding of reality by providing what many consider “evidence” that at times, spurs political change and sways national sentiment. In today’s America, this is seen almost on a daily basis with the extremes of both sides of the political spectrum taking photos out of context and fueling impassioned campaigns and protests instantly, using the distribution network online. Political photography has been an integral part of the democratic process in the United States since the invention’s first exposure in the country. Take the image of this sailor and nurse on V-J Day in 1945 by Alfred Eisenstaedt1. Whilst the image itself is indicative of the excitement and happiness felt upon the surrender of Japan, the image was flooded through newspapers and national media networks without the truth of the
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The composition, with the kiss front and center, the contrast of the navy uniforms and bright dresses in the background, and the smiling faces coupled with historical context were enough to take this photograph as positive. It was inspiring icon rather than an awkward photograph of an unwanted kiss. In a letter written about V-J Day from Nat Rudich to Morris Novick the author writes, “From that second [the surrender terms accepted] on New York was a bedlam of noise--ships in the harbor were blasting away, automobile horns going--all in all a very heartwarming sound,”2. The entire letter is teeming with impatience to get the news circulating. It divulges when the rumor began, how major news outlets of New York were preparing their coverage, and the President and Mayor giving their speeches regarding the subject. Rudich even states that the Mayor issued a release asking everyone to go “back to work,” and wait for the official word from Washington before
The composition, with the kiss front and center, the contrast of the navy uniforms and bright dresses in the background, and the smiling faces coupled with historical context were enough to take this photograph as positive. It was inspiring icon rather than an awkward photograph of an unwanted kiss. In a letter written about V-J Day from Nat Rudich to Morris Novick the author writes, “From that second [the surrender terms accepted] on New York was a bedlam of noise--ships in the harbor were blasting away, automobile horns going--all in all a very heartwarming sound,”2. The entire letter is teeming with impatience to get the news circulating. It divulges when the rumor began, how major news outlets of New York were preparing their coverage, and the President and Mayor giving their speeches regarding the subject. Rudich even states that the Mayor issued a release asking everyone to go “back to work,” and wait for the official word from Washington before