Hand in Hand, Americans Stand

                              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.