Here is my HCE assignment with Steve Cutts’ image “We and I”. I have created an expository paragraph exploring the theme of working together and getting rid of self-centeredness.

We and I

For my HCE English write, I chose the “We and I” photo by Steve Cutts. When I first looked at this image, I did not think it had any significance other than some countrymen on a boat. But after analyzing the photo, I realized there was a special message behind it. In fact, there was more than one message present in it. To me, the author is trying to show how/when there is a problem, to fix it, we need to work cooperatively. A team together is stronger than each individually separately. We cannot all go our own separate ways or only think about ourselves because when we do, that’s when potential conflicts may start to form. In the photo, they are all trying to build their own boats with the materials from the original boat during a turbulent time. The men are trying to do their own thing, and in the process, they are slowly breaking the boat. Eventually, there will be no more parts of the boat left and they will be stuck in the middle of the ocean with pieces that will not get them to shore. This is not a highly intelligent idea, especially since they are in potential danger. They are also all wearing remarkably similar clothing. These include their hats, shirts, shoes, and pants. Not only is their clothing similar, but their facial expressions are very alike. They all have a remarkably similar goal in mind; taking as many materials as possible and thinking for themselves. In other words, they are being selfish and self-centred about their own well-being. They are all in an agitated state of mind as their focus is on themselves and not their group of 5. The deeper meaning behind this photo represents that for some things not only on boats but in life, you must work together to solve a problem and make something work.