In their essay Beyond Belief: Cultural Studies as an Approach to Analysing the Visual Lister and Wells explore how culture, social circumstances, history, and semiotics impact how meaning, pleasure, and power are articulated through specific images. Examine the image at right and comment on what you see. What social, cultural, and/or historical significance does this photograph have?
14 comments:
The photograph depicts the Queen of England as a distinguished and respected figure as she walks down a row of saluting soldiers accompanied by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Kaine looks at her admiringly and walks just a few paces behind her, which adds to the depiction of her importance. This photograph holds a lot of historical significance, because the Queen of England has reigned for several years and it is an honor for her to have traveled to the United States, specifically Virginia, during her lifetime. Because of her old age, her presence is much more highly appreciated and serves as a historical remembrance for the American people. It also inadvertently displays the connection that Britain and the United States have. Just as the British respect the Queen, she was highly respected and honored as she visited the United States. Although British and American cultures are very different from one another, they are still able to relate to one another and value their differences, which is evident from this photograph.
This photo displays a great deal of historical significance. In the background of the photo between two white pillars a city can be seen. The Pillars mark the end of two distinct lines of soldiers and within the soldiers lines the Queen Elizabeth II and on the right what appears to be a U.S. government figure. The assumption that the man next to the Queen is from the U.S. comes from a closer observation of the soldiers on the right side of the photo. These soldiers and for that matter the police officers in the bottom corners of the photo strike me as being from the U.S. but only for the reason that I am from the U.S. and familiar with these soldiers. Back to my point about the soldiers on the right side of the photo, if one looks closely at the uniforms on the soldiers sleeve down by his hand above the gold stripes it says U.S. ROTC. Also, on the shoulder of the police officer its says Virginia Capitol, so now we have a location established and some of the individuals. It can also be assumed that the building they are walking into is the capitol from the labels on the police uniforms. Even if I did not know that the woman in the center was the Queen I would be able to conclude that she is well respected for in the U.S. being saluted by soldiers is a sign of respect and authority. I did not really get around to how the photo was historical, but more so I analyzed it in a social and cultural sense.
I had no idea that the man next to Queen Elizabeth was or is the governor of Virginia. That is probably due to the fact that I am from Colorado, but either way without doing extra research. I agree with you Sydney that there is a lot of historical significance in the photo, however I think that the photo also represents how similar our cultures (British and U.S.) can be. I would not necessarily say that our cultures are very different, however I do not have the experience of taking part in the British culture so please correct me if I made a poor assumption. The similarity in fashion worn by the Queen with that of most political figures in the U.S. is quite similar along with the presence of soldiers as a sign of honor and respect for a visiting guest. To some extent I think that my justification for the similarity between the U.S. and British culture may come down to the idea that the U.S. began with the British.
This picture shows the important relationship the British and the United States play for one another. Clearly, the Queen of England walking through the salutation of British soldiers is being honored, not only by the British soldiers, but by the Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine. It looks like a formal greeting by what the Queen, Governor and soldiers are wearing. The row of British soldiers on the left is different than the one in the right. It looks like there is a respectful relationship by the way the entrance is set up. None of the soldiers are looking neither at the Queen nor the Governor. This shows respect that they have for high figures in each of their societies. Both the Governor and the Queen are walking straight and there is a photographer at the left side. This shows the significance each country plays in one another, by providing a welcoming entrance not only to the country, but to the relationships they have with one another. It seem like culturally and socially, British would treat any U.S. political figure the same way. This can go back to history in how they have build on their relationships with one another.
I found it interesting how Colin stated that he did not know who the man next to the Queen was. I assume if it was a political figure from another state other than Virginia, I would have probably not been able to identify him or her. I agree with Sydney in that Governor Kaine is showing his respect to the Queen by walking a step behind her. This truly shows how well known and admired she is because an important figure of the United States is treating her well. Both of them look happy and very welcomed. As for the place where they are in, I am assuming like Colin that they are in some important place in Virginia, if not there than they are probably in the DC. It just seem like that would be a great place to bring someone important to.
The picture represents a number of things. First and foremost, Queen Elizabeth II is a symbol of tradition, royalty, power, amongst a number of other things. She is walking next to a man, whom I would have no clue who he is had people not mentioned he is the governor of VA, which would imply that he is of her similar ranks, perhaps holds the same power, for example. Although that may not be true, he seems to be happy walking next to her. They, along with people behind them, are being saluted by both guards from Great Britain as from the United States. It is very interesting how the guards from Great Britain are on the Queen's side. it is obvious that they do respect their Queen, but could this also translate to the Queen's mistrust in the American guards? In no way am I assuming such, but it could be interpreted that way. I would also think that this holds much importance as the Queen is visiting the United States, and not only so, but she is walking next to someone who is not the President of the United States. Which may also mean that she may not hold him in high regard, but being unfamiliar with why the President would not greet her upon her arrival to the US, I will not readily assume anything.
I agree with Sydney in a number of ways. The Queen is a very distinguished and respected figure worldwide. Although she has no real power in her country, she can influence social relationships, as she does represent her country when abroad. Sydney mentions that this could mean that there is a connection with the US and Great Britain, and it might as well be so. Overall, I think that this picture may reference to a number of things, but most importantly, it signals to the fact that we are still able to relate to one another and value each others' differences, as Sydney mentions.
I found it interesting as well that Colin did not know that the man standing beside the Queen was Tim Kaine, and this further addresses the question as to what social, cultural, and historical significance does this photo have because an object or events significance can only be determined based upon relevance. Because Colin is from Colorado, he was not familiar with Tim Kaine, and I, similarly, am not familiar with many political figures who are significant in other states. This photograph may hold more significance to someone who is from Virginia because they are
able to more easily relate and be honored by the presence of the Queen of England with their own state governor. I also found it interesting that Isela pointed out that none of the soldiers were looking directly at Queen
Elizabeth II or Governor Tim Kaine. It surprised me as being a sign of respect for soldiers to face forward because we are often taught to respect others by looking at them in the eye; however, the ways in which one shows respect can differ in different contexts.
This photograph conveys a sense of patriotism, honor, and above all togetherness of the two countries represented in the photo. The Queen of England on the left and the United States Government official on the right give the photograph both a historical reference as well as a the notion of power. The soldier who line the edges of the photograph contribute to the notion of power, but also to the feeling patriotism one could draw from this picture. The soldiers convey pride and courage, two traits that go hand in hand with what we associate with patriotism in our country. The smiles on the faces of the figures in the photograph also contribute to the feeling one could draw from it. There is no trace of war or aggression in this photograph, which again contributes to the sense of togetherness and honor.
I agree with Colin because I had no idea who the man walking next to the Queen was. Despite this fact, however, I was still able to draw out most of what the picture was trying to say. Exactly who the man is is not all that important, but it is who he represents that matters. The details of the photograph may have some deeper meaning but what is on the surface conveys a message of its own. Just a glance at this photograph allows the viewer to capture all of the feelings I mentioned above, even if they are not aware of the exact identities of the figures in the photograph.
In this photograph we see many images. The Queen of England is at the center of the picture, which shows her importance and significance in society. To her right the Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine, is a few steps back denoting a sense of servitude and respect. All around her are cadets from West Point and Annapolis, both of which are military colleges. This denotes the Queens importance once again in the fact that she is inspecting them. This shows historical significance because many times nations try to show off by showing how great and disciplined their military units are. Socially, the Queen is where she should be, at the center of attention, being recognized by all for her importance in society.
I would have to agree with my fellow classmates in that this photo does represent the historical ties that we share with Britain. I would have to disagree with Sydney in the fact that America and Britain are not all that different from one another. We, as a nation, have ancestors that were all English citizens at one time in their lives. Our system of government may be different, but our values and morals are much the same. Colin pointed out how the pillars in the background mark the end of the two soldiers lines, but I never noticed the pillars in the background. It may be a metaphor for the steadfast metal of the US military, or our steadfast desire to continue our long relationship with the British people.
I found the photograph interesting but I question its historical significance, The Queen is in many hundreds of photographs similar to this every year, however this one is particularly striking. The Queen is head of the Military in the UK (at least nominally) and so inspects the troops with great regularity, and in addition she also travels all over the world to Commonwealth nations (she is their Queen as well), former Colonies (such as India) and countries of interest such as America. There she is often asked to inspect troops and I suppose has become rather expert in time at surveying them, I think they only show the troops to her in order to get them in the Photo due to her so often being photographed. I agree with Colin that the historical significance escaped me, so I have decided to analyze the actual composition of the Photographs and the themes stemming from it, particularly socially.
There is a start difference between them and the women in this picture and although the Queen is clearly the star, the majority of the “lines” in the image point towards her in the center, she is also In stark contrast to all of the rest of the members of the photo except, the individual who I am presuming is the Governors wife. The Queen is dressed in bold color, all the military is black and white, the back ground is a majority white and the governor is in grey and white, interestingly he is in a strange light so that his suit almost blends into the floor, while the queen in her bright purple and pink stands out. It is too easy to make an analysis based on gender and the separation of the sexes here (for example non of the military appear to be female), but the analysis would be screwed by the presence of the Queen, who changes the composition.
First and foremost the picture represents power, royalty, and a sense of respect. Queen Elizabeth of England is obviously a person in a high position of power and the guards who are shown are giving her the respect she deserves by saluting her. In addition, the man walking with her walks a few steps behind her, which gives off another great feeling of respect towards Queen Elizabeth. This picture also says a lot about the fact that Queen Elizabeth visited the United States. Her visitation shows the great amount of care that England has for the United States because the Queen does not just go somewhere and make a public appearance on a whim. It shows the importance of the United States through England’s perspective.
I agree with Sydney when she said that due to the Queen’s old age the
visit to the United States gives even greater meaning. Like I stated before, the Queen of England does not simply visit somewhere on a whim. She obviously has great respect for the United States, and in this
particular picture, Virginia. This adds to the overall importance of the picture because it gives a great sense of honor and appreciation by the United States in this case. Queen Elizabeth’s presence comes with a certain amount of pleasure it seems for the people in the picture. Her visit obviously gives them the feeling of being respected and they seem greatly appreciative towards her visit based on their facial expressions.
In this picture I see that initially it has much historical significance because that is a photograph of the Queen of England. The poses or stances of the soldiers on the left and right of her show that she is a person of high authority or rank. There erect postures and there neat dress also exhibit that she is someone of great importance. The high security of the entrance of this one person clearly shows that she is worth being saluted and escorted in by many. As far as cultural significance is concerned the style of dress by the soldiers shows that they pride themselves in there dress as soldiers and dress to impress. This picture also shows how the queen is in the center of the photograph showing that she is the center of attention and is the main character in this photograph. Her centermost is the focus of the photo and shows the viewer that she is the most important person or detail in this picture, forcing the reader to look deeper into the meaning of the photo.
I am going to have to agree with Sydney and her statements on how much alike the United States of America and Great Britain is. Both of the countries have high figures who are worthy of being saluted and escorted in. Instead of having a queen or king of America, our high figure is President Bush currently. I believe that both he and Queen Elizabeth both possess similar characteristics and have earned the right to have the same recognition and the security offered by the soldiers and further protections. The fact that she is the center of the photo also shows emphasis on her importance.
This picture depicts the Queen of England walking through a hallway in
what looks to be some type of palace. The royal guards surrounding her on
both sides create a prestigious aurora. The Queen is dressed neatly and
presents herself very well. We can tell that she is an important figure
because the guards are all saluting her as she walks by. The man to her
left has a large smile across his face and seems to be mildly amused by
the presentation of the guards. With her hands cross, the Queen
represents a humble figure of her country. This photograph reinforces
cultural conceptions of England as an esteemed nation full of respect and
honor.
This picture captures a moment that many people never would have thought possible in 1783. The end of the Revolutionary War, the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, marked the end of Britain’s rule over the thirteen American colonies. At the peak of British colonialism, the first permanent British colony was founded in Jamestown almost two hundred years before the British relinquished their power a few miles away in Yorktown. This picture was taken during the Queen’s visit to Virginia in the celebration of the four hundredth anniversary of Jamestown. This picture captures that shift of American governments from monarchial rule to that of a successful, independent, democratic nation. The slouching posture of the Queen as well as the timidly folded hands in her lap really emphasize the lack of power that the Kingdom has in its former colony. Soldiers stand flanking the aisle in different uniforms; one uniform represents the British attire, while the other represents the American Guard. Despite the history of these two countries, both can now come together in order to protect and serve those individuals that are vital to the thriving success of both governments. Perhaps the most telling sign of unity between the two countries can be seen in how both leaders walk side-by-side, nullifying any notion of superiority in governmental and societal relations. This photo captures the social and historical changes that have perspired between Britain and the Unites States over the past four hundred years.
*Although Sydney makes some basic observations, she fails to mention the historic events that have shaped the relations between Britain and the United States. Instead, she claims that the picture “holds a lot of historical significance, because the Queen of England has reigned for several years and it is an honor for her to have traveled to the United States, specifically Virginia, during her lifetime.” The significance behind this picture resides in the celebration of Jamestown and the history that has transpired since the founding of Jamestown, not in the age of the Queen. Similarly, she makes some observations that do not seem to truly capture the events in the picture. For instance, she claims that “Kaine looks at her admiringly and walks just a few paces behind her.” If you looke at Kaine’s eyes and he feet, it is clear that he is not only walking next to her, but that he is looking at the soldiers flanking him on either side. To understand the importance of this pictures, one needs to understand the history behind it.
The photograph depicts the historical significance between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It shows in particular the unity shared by the once opposing nations, and furthermore the celebration of this unity. The importance of this alliance and the Queen in particular in indicated by amount of people and soldiers who made a special effort to greet her. The soldiers that line the entrance for example are not wearing current day uniforms but traditional ones which commemorate this relationship between the two nations.
I too was unaware of the identity of the man escorting the Queen, I was sure however, that he must be of some significance. Not only because he is in her company but, it is clear he is her host and is responsible for the impressive greeting she received.
This picture of Queen Elizabeth II tells a lot without any words. This photograph can relate to the first question that Lister and Wells want us to ask ourselves during analysis. What is interesting about an images social life and its history? This picture shows the respect that the Queen of England gets when she travels around the world. She is walking with Governor of Virginia. The police officer on the right of the picture has a Virginia Capitol badge on his left arm and the men lined to the left of the Queen are American troops. However on the Queen’s right there are her personal guardsmen who travel with her where ever she goes. The current Queen of England does not hold much if any political power. However she travels the world as if she is a world leader. This is the way that the old heads of England traveled. It shows that even though she might not have that much power, the traditions of royalty in England have not changed much.
I agree with Sydney is saying this picture shows how important the Queen still is. Governor Tim Kaine walks behind her, letting her lead the way and showing that she is the most important member of this group. This picture does allow for Americans and English men and women to relate to one another. The Queen traveling around the United States spreads international respect for each other’s culture. So when the Queen travels, she helps to spread peace.
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