Image analysis
Lane, K, 2011 Keystone-II-Pipeline-Protest-5. [electronic print] Available at: < http://www.keithlanephotoblog.com/?p=2805>[Accessed 8 December 2011].
Image analysis
This picture shows a policeman who is trying to control a group of protesters. He is wearing a police uniform, and a gun is clearly visible in a holster. The officer seems to be in the middle of doing something; though it is unclear what. It is possible that he is trying to control another group of protesters in front of him. Behind the police officer there is a group of protesters who are mostly sitting down. The reason behind the protest is a pipeline that is planned to be built between Canada and USA. In the background, a part of the White House is seen. Judging by the shadow of a man; the picture was photographed either in the late morning or in the afternoon. The police officer is a symbol for the government and the protesters represent the people. Since the policeman is placed in front; it gives the impression that he is in charge and he is controlling the people. Giving the symbolic value that the government are controlling and trying to silence the voice of the people. This picture was found on a freelance photographers website
The protest takes place in front of the White House. It is because the decision lies with the President since it is an international matter. The picture is taken at the height of the police officer in a slightly down tilting angle. From this perspective the officer appears superior in comparison to the protesters; further implying that he is the oppressor in the picture.
The message conveyed by the picture is that the protesters are respectable and innocent citizens. They are trying to make their voice heard against their superior enemy; the government, which is symbolized by the officer in the foreground combined with the White House behind the protestors. A feeling of confinement of the people by the government is created. The purpose of the picture is to make the readers sympathize with the protestors.
Jakob Wedenborn, Camilla Bratt Forss & Astrid Andersson
A note about the link to the picture, http://www.keithlanephotoblog.com/?p=2805 takes you to the website where a flashbased photobrowser will appear, and you will have to navigate to the picture. The direct link to the picture is this link:
