Accomplishment

I chose A Girl With School Medals 1988. I see in this picture a fence, a wall, a window in the background. From the look of things, I just get a vibe that this might not be in a good neighborhood. That was my first thought. I then notice all the medals she has on her shirt and how proud she looks to have them there. To me, she seems to be saying, "You said I couldn't do this. Well, look. I did." I think that the artist did the things he did such as, the black and white color of the image to show the condition of the neighborhood she lives in, or as a symbol for something else. It creates the mood of the image. I get the feeling that it is an old picture, just based on the black and white color. 1988 is not exactly old however, that is not what I'm trying to say. I just think that the black and white color really is a key part to this image. Like I said before, I think this picture has something to do with stereotypes. If it is actually in a run-down neighborhood like I imagine, then I feel like this is supposed to be this girl showing off her accomplishments. She proved that she was capable of such things, whereas most people don't look at the people from bad neighborhoods and think that they will go anywhere in life. This photo reminded me of Our America, because of the breaking stereotypes theme. I really like this picture. I also assumed right away by her clothing that her medals were athletic medals. I realize now that, that might not necessarily be true. She could have won medals for a number of different things, such as music, debate club, quiz bowl team. Anything. Whatever her medals are for, what I am taking from this photo is that someone put her down. Someone told her she would not make it, but she was able to prove them wrong. She won those medals and shut them up. I enjoyed this photo a lot. It reminded me of my own situation in life. I am trying to be a performer, and am constantly told that I will not make it. I want my chance to win my medals and prove all those negative nancys and debbie downers out there that it is possible.