Discussion Response
Mrs. Jane Doe is familiar with 4 May 1970, particularly at Kent State University. (2024) Describing the scene, she uses words that portray tension and, at the same time, an almost surreal feel. Military trucks and private cars were parked close to the large building, contrasting the normal life and the heavyweight of the military. This is her experience of the encounter between the National Guardsmen and the students. She does not see any sign of murderous intent from them then. Despite the gloomy mood dominating the time I spent with her and her daughter, the day was charged with a certain discomfort, which stemmed from realizing that these were glimpses of a much larger and anxious, violent state.
Grandma Jane noticed that the picture presented a snapshot of peace amid turmoil. She did that successfully by pointing out that military vehicles and personnel can be easily found near academic facilities and regular cars, thus illustrating the penetration of the government forces into the civilization sphere. She also pointed out that the Guardsmen and students seemed to be peacefully talking to each other; the simple act pointed to the layered actions that transpired on that day, which were filled with negation and affinity.
Popularizing this, the image is a historical narrative of the Vietnam War and the period’s major political and social transformations. It encourages us to discuss the government’s ability and willingness to use the army against its people. It makes one ponder the conflict between the authority and the rights the Constitution grants, which is a burning issue even now.
It is also important to note that these events affected individuals, as illustrated by Grandma’s memories. They are the unrest and disbelief among the students that occupied the university campus. She spoke about the students’ hesitation regarding violent actions and their scope. These feelings complement the perception of the photograph, as it exposes the fact that every historical event was witnessed by people with their own experiences.
Therefore, the discussion of this photograph offers a glimpse into a particular period of the past and inspires reflection not only about the events that took place during that time or those authorizes’ actions, power over citizens, and rights but also the subjects’ narratives of actual history.
Reference
(2024). Muni. Cz. https://is.muni.cz/th/k3la6/Diploma_thesis_Ciprysova_Archive.pdf