
The 1960s were a time filled with great racial tension all throughout the United States of America. African-Americans were treated unjustly in all walks of life. Many white children and black children were confused about whether or not they could coexist with the other peacefully. Norman Rockwell was an early 20th century artist whose paintings often were inspired by American life at the time. In 1967, he painted New Kids in the Neighborhood (Negro in the Suburb. Rockwell uses many different visual elements to express the emotions of the children in this painting. 

From the title of the painting, we are left with the assumption that it is the African-American children that are the new ones in the neighborhood. The background shows that the houses are on the left side of the painting. The black children being closer to the house that the moving truck appears to be moving objects towards further solidifies the assumption that they are the “New Kids in the Neighborhood” that Rockwell refers to in the title of the painting. Both groups of children are clearly shocked, and more specifically, confused at the sight of one another. The black children most likely have only been accustomed to being around other black children while the white children appear to most likely have been accustomed to being around other white children. This is very reflective of the segregated neighborhoods that were so commonplace in the United States during this time period. While the children are confused, they are not angry or reluctance. Rather, they are curious at the sight of one another.  Even the dog appears taken back by the sight of the African-American children, as its head is perked up and staring attentively at the black children. The lack of maliciousness portrayed in the body language of the children was utilized by Norman Rockwell to portray the innocence of children. While some adults in this time period solely focused on race when deciding a person’s character, these children do not. The physical distance between the black and white children is used by Rockwell to symbolize the gap that was present between the two races in the 1960s.The children do clearly show shock at seeing a member of the opposite race, but their lack of anger proves a point of Rockwell’s. Rockwell wants the viewers of his painting to know that kids are kids, and that the color of another child’s skin is not going to change that fact. 

While the children in the painting are confused, they also show interest in one another. The white child in the baseball uniform leans forward facing the black children with his hands clasped behind his back, showing intrigue. Additionally, the white girl, while standing behind the two boys, stands in the same stance, clearly focused. The other white boy stands with his hands in his pocket, casually observing the new kids without any fear. The African-American girl stands confidently in front of her larger brother, with no fear in her. The African-American boy stands behind his little sister, observing the other children with curiosity.

There are many similarities physically showing between the two groups of children that Rockwell uses to show that the two races are not different. For example, both groups have a pet in their company. Rockwell shows that whether white or black, kids love and are brought enjoyment by animals.  Also, the white boy and girl stand in the same position as the black boy, showing that they are both curious at the sight of one another. Both groups were skeptical of one another, similar to how African-Americans and white people would have been skeptical of one another at the time due to the lack of trust between the two races. Also, one of the white boys has a baseball glove and wears a baseball uniform. Similarly, the African-American boy holds a baseball glove behind his back, showing the bond between the two that has not yet been established. This shows that once again, race does not affect a boy’s love of sports and overall love of playing. 

Norman Rockwell’s messages in his painting is very clear. His message is that, even in the most tense of times, the innocence and overall natural good of children will remain intact. He shows this by portraying curiosity, rather than anger, in the faces of the children. Additionally, it shows that the difference between African-Americans and white people is only the color of their skin, and nothing more. Norman Rockwell uses the kids’ body language, pets, and sporting equipment to show that they are very alike and show the same interests and emotions. 

Norman Rockwell directed the message of his painting towards the general American public in the 1960s. With racism very rampant in parts of the country at this time, Rockwell attempts to use the future of the country, children, to let the people know that racism is not a natural reaction. Children would not judge by skin color naturally, so Rockwell encourages the adults of America to do the same.

Norman Rockwell’s New Kids in the Neighborhood is a very impactful piece of art. It accurately reflects the sentiments of children throughout the United States during the time. Additionally, it attempts to show to the adults of America the innocence of a child. Rockwell’s message still is strong to this day, and its message will always be a lesson that people can learn all around the world. Rockwell uses symbols in the painting to show the similarities between the African-American children, the new kids on the block, and the white children.  Norman Rockwell’s painting is a statement, and one that is very powerful.