HCE 9 – English Write
Respect
“It’s a Bird,” created by Christian Cooper
When I look at this image, I immediately realize that it is about prejudice, racism and disrespect/respect in many societies. Because of the colour of his skin, the European woman feels frightened by this African-American teenager. The European lady in the photo is making aggressive motions, indicating that she has no regard for him or what he has to give society. I can clearly see things like rudeness, and the author is demonstrating that individuals need to respect others more. In addition, in the first slide, you can see African-Americans behind the teenager who has died as a result of police violence in America. They are a dark blue colour, indicating that they have died. When I initially saw this photograph, I was outraged, but not shocked, because there are so many individuals who are illiterate and can’t see that no one is greater than themselves. And my lingering thoughts after that were still filled with anger, but more by the understanding that people lose their lives as a result of individuals like the woman in the photo, and that we live in a systematic-racist culture. And it bothers me that the African-American child had to drop his gaze because he doesn’t want to wind up in a worse scenario because of this dumb woman. Anyone should be able to respond to such nasty remarks. The author, Christian Cooper, appears to be implying that racism is still alive and well, but with much more naïve and illiterate individuals. The interpretation of gestures, chat boxes, look, and other elements, serves as a reminder that African-Americans are still dying at the hands of police, because of individuals like this European woman in this photograph. It’s plainly crazy that this is still happening, but we can’t ignore it, which is why we must fight against what’s wrong. What’s more ludicrous is that the woman prefers to victimize herself despite the fact that she has nothing to do with the victim. It makes no sense to live in a civilized nation when residents are still more privileged than others. Should I bring up the term “civilized” again? The way I see it is, if North American countries are so civilized, why do white people gain more than other races from living here? So, what I believe the author is attempting to imply is, being polite to everyone, maybe it will even save their life.