
Happiness is the most confused and improperly used word in society today. People overuse the word happiness with their own connotation of the meaning. They question what happiness may be or entail. Some might say a smile indicates happiness, others may say wealth or materialistic items. The truth is with the beholder on this one. There is not a right or wrong answer rather a right or wrong feeling. Society longs for happiness so strongly but does not know where to look.  The visual of two men missing limbs and arms shows the perspective people have on happiness.

The visual text of “Two Happy Men” is a picture of two impaired men sitting on the side walk, one missing limbs and the other missing legs. They appear to be poor and homeless along with handicaps. In the background there is a wheelchair for one of the men. They are sitting out front of a sunglass store on which looks to be a popular street. This image really stood out to me and I could not get it out of my mind. Both men have a wide smile across their face, this seemed to strike me the most. I immediately feel a grin form on my face as I look at the visual text. The happiness of the two men radiate to the viewer. The image has a lot going on with no story or background information given. The viewer has the power to form what he or she may feel towards the image. There is a symmetry between the men with one missing both arms and the other missing both legs. People could be missing things from their life even if it appears they have it all. When people feel they are empty or missing something they go looking for all the wrong things. People need to start striving for happiness. In the background of the image is a sunglass store. This is significant because it implies how different people can “see” happiness. People will walk right by the two men and continue into the store to buy something they think makes them happy. When in reality they just passed a true, vivid image of happiness. 

The emotions evoked form this visual text can range from deep sadness to overwhelming joy. The concept of society and life come to my mind when viewing this. I personally could not stop thinking about the world we live in today and the character of people in society. Personally this photo provokes multiple questions I feel I must ask myself: Am I happy? How grateful am I for my everyday health? Do I stop to thank everyone I need to everyday? As a viewer I feel the need to open my mind and find happiness in the little things. Although I know for a fact most of society does not look at their life that way. People do not ask themselves if they are happy with themselves and the life they are living. This could be because they fear the answer they will find.  Be grateful for health and loving relationships for they will be the happiest aspects in your life. 

After viewing this photo, I have questioned my perspective on life and remembered to check my motives every day. Happiness is something I strive for in life but also the most important. Life is too short to be unhappy at any given day. Your life could change drastically in the matter of seconds as for it could have for these two men photographed. Maybe the two men were in a war and lost arms and legs and have no money years after to support themselves. Or a chronic medical condition that changed their lives. No matter what the circumstance these two men remain to smile and laugh. Enjoying life from a perspective of happiness. The measure of happiness in your soul will tell you how much of life you’re truly living. 
