In Don DeLillo's "Videotape," the striking comparison between a camera lens and human perception is made. It is through this comparison that DeLillo is able to channel the idea that even with a clear picture of reality, the brain can alter what we see as if it where not true. 

Throughout "Videotape," the author's symbolism conveys to the reader that the world around them is perfectly clear and simple to understand. This is done by means of comparing the human eye to a camera lens. The camera, much like the eye, records in "black-and white-tones," (Carolina Reader, 60). The idea of black and white refers to something that is clear-cut, meaning it is easy to understand and comprehend. Because the camera is recording the heinous crime of a man being murdered, the brain rejects the notion of death, forcing the body into a sense of disbelief. 

Unlike our perception, a camera lens is always focused on the world and cannot be turned off. Whether it is the serenity of a calm sea or the death and destruction brought on by mankind himself, a camera lens has the ability to record everything. It has no emotion and is therefore undeterred in capturing the different aspects of life. Such is the case when the children record the exposed moments of their family members; the children are always ready to document the intimate happenings of the family. In contrast, the brain gives our eyes the ability to open and shut, to focus on or to turn away from what we see. The brain controls what the eyes perceive. When used in context with "Videotape," our brain serves as "some central authority, the police, or the district attorney or the TV station, decided that there was nothing else you had to see" (62). Even though the eyes could clearly see the realism and the death of the person in the Dodge sedan, our minds deny it, leaving us unable to process the events that unfolded. But why is this? The mind filters out the negativity and complexity of the events that go on around us. As a result, we cannot comprehend the grim realities of darkness and death, regardless of how black and white the event is. 

In relation to symbolism, DeLillo's repetition of key words contributes to the central idea that the brain can alter our sense of reality, even if it is painted clearly in front of us. Throughout the entire story, the narrator repeats different forms of the word real. "It is real," "a searing realness" and "superreal" all put emphasis on the film's absoluteness in displaying the death of a person. It is through this repetition that "Videotape" can describe the harshness of life in its true sense. Terrible things occur everyday in life; this is concrete and cannot be argued with. Even though this fact is clearly presented in front of the eyes, the brain takes over to deny such truth. This ties into the theme that the brain will believe only what it wants to believe. It will refuse to accept the notion that such a heinous crime can be committed against another human being. 

Adding further, DeLillio's phraseology describes scenes of simplicity that add to the theme of life being black and white. In the beginning of the passage, the narrator begins by saying that the film recorded by Video Kid, "is the simplest sort of family video It's just a kid aiming her camera " (59). It is through this quote that DeLillio introduces the idea that simple images provide the viewer with a clear, concrete understanding of the world. He continues this idea of simplicity as he describes the quality of film being used, "the nature of the tape, the grain of the image, the sputtering black-and-white tones, the starkness" (60). The narrator's description gives the reader an impression that the film is old, archaic and simple. Because of this, it can be concluded that the camera wasn't complex and captured the images in black and white instead of color. When objects are viewed in their black and white form, the observer is not overpowered by the cluttered details brought about along with color. It is through this simplicity, that the viewer is able to better understand what he or she is seeing. As a result, a simple and clear image is relayed rather than an intricate, colorful image that may cause confusion and denial. A person would believe that such a clear and simple image presented to the brain would result in a full understanding of the events that take place in the story. However, the simplicity used by the camera and the eyes serves as a contradiction to the brain itself. The brain cannot come to terms with that idea that a man can kill his fellow man. Subsequently, denial ensues and the witnesses of such events are placed into a state of rejection. 

Coinciding with this contrast, DeLillo incorporates the symbol of a Dodge sedan in three separate instances throughout the story. The author uses the sedan as a means to describe the contradiction that occurs within our minds. The manufacturer Dodge adorns each of their cars with the symbol of the ram on the company's vehicle badge. In some cultures, the ram is viewed as a symbol of confidence, strength and independence. Many believe that the true meaning of the ram is having faith in our body's own abilities. As mentioned above, the human eye views all the true happenings of the world and the brain distorts it. The ram essentially is the antithesis of the brain. By acting as a ram, a person would have the ability to see the black and white, trusting what the eyes see. As a result, the brain is restricted from denying the realness of the truth. 

"Videotape" serves as an accurate relationship between the brain and the eyes while comparing it to a camera. The great symbolism and repetition of key phrases tie in the theme that our brains can alter our sense of realness, even if it is clearly displayed in front of us. Something terrible is bound to happen anytime in life, it's just a matter of either opening your eyes to such an event and accept it or closing the eyes so the mind can reject it.  

