Photograph Comparison

There can be many stereotypes associated with any group of people. Typical generalizations about white Americans are that they are rich or poor, hillbillies or high class, and uneducated or college graduates. These misconceptions are displayed and exaggerated in the two images I have chosen.

The first picture frames the man and woman, and includes the interior of their home. They are seated in the corner on one chair. Because the people are almost backed into a corner it puts them at a lower angle. This causes the viewer to look down at the people. The main focus of the photo is the flag and the man and woman. Another important point of focus seems to be the gun, held by the man. They appear to be comfortable but protective of one another. The setting of the frame contains two people sitting in the living room of a small house or a trailer. There are two cans of beer and one bag of potato chips. Another key prop within the frame is the confederate flag on the wall. The man is also holding a gun. Both people in the image are performing typical gender roles. The man has a stern, strong look to him. He looks tough and angry. The image focuses on the hillbilly stereotype; uneducated southerners who might live in a trailer, drinking beer and eating an unhealthy diet of potato chips and junk food. The picture suggests that the woman must be defended by a man, and the couple must be one white man with one white woman. These Americans look to be middle aged and are not outwardly happy looking. They seem to be ready to defend their southern roots using anger and violence.

The second picture emphasizes the stereotype of rich white Americans. The image frames six people, three men and three women. The people are all in one room and are standing around a table. The image gives a straight on angle of the people in the room and the image is wide and open to display all the people. The image focuses on five main people. One man in the left front corner is out of focus almost completely. He is standing halfway out of the shot and is also the only man who does not seem properly dressed for the classy occasion. The people within the image are focused on a statue on the table or on each other. They are not paying any attention to the viewer. The room is well lit but the subjects are all wearing dark clothing. They are in an open room with plenty of lighting. There is a large piece of artwork hanging on the right wall near the corner. All the visible men are wearing ties and have shaven faces. The women are wearing long modest dresses that are all black. They are also wearing necklaces, rings, and earrings. The man at the back of the room appears to be a butler. The image is set within a large open room. Artwork and statues are visible. The furniture and walls are white and the people are dressed in black. All of the people are white and appear to be in their late fifties, with the exception of one younger woman. They are not looking at the man at the back of the room or at the viewer. They seem to be very high class and are not drinking or eating anything. They are all standing. They look rigid and almost stiff. Everyone looks very formal. No one is touching. It appears that this is a secret glimpse into a high class function of some sort. The voice of this photo shows white America as rich, successful, educated people. They live in a sterile environment and all appear to be healthy and lively. They look rich and superior to others.