Unknown artist (22 April 1865). Available from HarpWeek.
Living in a world that determines people's significance by their
external qualities makes it quite difficult to remember that as different as
people think they are from each other, they are so much more alike. This idea
was the greatest issue to separate Blacks from Whites from the beginning of
history due to the barrier of their skin color and mindset. However, after The
Civil War was fought, a new respect and appreciation was found for the Blacks
after dealing with the same life changing experiences in war. The image above successfully
portrays this idea through the camaraderie of two opposing skin color veterans.
The image above represents the
quintessential relationship between two comrades
after experiencing the same traumatic events and results of war. It
represents the equality that was reached between both white and black men after
The Civil War. The respectful handshake between both comrades symbolizes the
understanding and appreciation both men have for another. Disregarding
race, ethnicity, and ultimately social standing, these comrades greet one
another as equals with the acknowledgment of suffering from the same tragedies
of war that they fought in together. Both agree that although a significant
part of their body is gone and can no longer be used, the vital organ that
guided them through it all sustained its self to continue its part in the
social and political reconstruction of America and it’s newly accepted Black
citizens.
After The Civil War ended and The Reconstruction Era began, it
introduced the greatest battle of all, which was the metaphorical battle fought
between man and his soul. “The Battle fought between the Soul//And No Man—is the One//Of all
the Battles prevalent—//By far the Greater One—” (Dickinson, Reader 101). This
battle referred to the internal fight, which white people had to overcome
within themselves to avoid becoming domineering figures in society and sustain
the equality of all American citizens. The image above represents this idea
through the acceptance of both their struggles in the same parts of life.
Although many white people weren’t able to fight the egocentrism in their minds
to accept the equality everyone deserved, many others were more than willing to
fight for black people’s rights and enact them in every day life.
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