What I learned from Embrey about Manzanar that I did not learn from Adams's photographs was the reality of Manzanar. It was this place that trapped people in, with no way out, except to join the Army. Embrey describes the barb-wired fence, and seeing Mt. Williamsons peak crested in gray clouds. Her stay there seemed to be forever. Embrey made her life in Manzanar seem rough and unhappy.
In contrast, what I saw from Adams's photographs that I did not find in Embreys account was that the pictures were beautiful. Through his pictures the people living there look happy. Adams does not show a photograph of the barb-wired fence, and he does show a photo of Mt. Williamsons as a very beautiful mountain. Adams's shows a side that to myself seemed to be wonderful, for example: his photo's show mountains, dressmaking classes, a church, a happy electrician, a happy little girl, and a proud farmer, and for his last picture it is women playing a game while they smile and laugh.
I feel that the stories "Photographs of Japanese-Americans at Manazanar" and "Some Lines for a Younger Brother..." relate to the story "A Small Place" by Kincaid. This is because Adams is like the tourist in Embreys town. He takes pictures that doesnt show the "true" side of the natives land. So for Embrey her story is more real, because it is her life, she lives day in and day out. Whereas, Adams takes great pictures of Manzanar, with leaving out the actual tradegy, and then he goes home.
-Brittany
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I got the same impression as Britany from the pictures, that the people looked very happy, but from Embrey view life at Manzanar was miserable.
Post a Comment