The connotation of happiness is different for everyone. 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. One cannot observe another’s happiness from the outside of the person. Society longs for happiness so strongly but does not know where to look. 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. The visual of two men missing limbs and arms shows the perspective people have on happiness.

This image is thought provoking to the viewer because it shows two men who have nothing materialistic can be happy. Both men have a strikingly wide smile across their face. 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 may go looking for things to fill the emptiness. People may want 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. Shoppers are looking for happiness but don’t realize they just passed two men who already have it. 

The emotions evoked from this visual text can range from deep sadness to overwhelming joy. 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 the viewer should ask themselves. Is he/she happy? How grateful is he/she for everyday health? Does he/she stop to thank everyone he/she needs to everyday? As a viewer, he/she may feel the need to find happiness in little things. A person should be grateful for health and loving relationships for they will be the happiest aspects in their life. 

After viewing this photo, the viewer should realize that what makes a happy person is different for everyone. However, the photo should make a person reevaluate what makes him/her happy. No matter what the circumstance these two men remain smiling and laughing; enjoying life from a perspective of happiness. The photo serves as a lesson to the viewer to find happiness in small things.
