Has a school yard bully ever constantly poked and pestered you? The simplest of human rights is to live peacefully.  All one can ask for is to go through life aspiring to do the best he can.  However, some people are unable to do so due to the prejudice of others.  Many people in modern society who do not have this problem, turn away from the undeniable fact that unjustified poor treatment of minorities happens each day. The photo shown above, taken by Rodrigo Abd, depicts law enforcement’s oppression of the innocent through the use of focus and layers of symbolism.

Focus is used in the image to direct the view to the true purpose that lies within.  The focal point in the photo is the man in the bottom left corner.  Initially, it seems as though the image is not focused on one point but the viewer’s eyes end up on the man.  At first glance, the viewer is confused as to why the man is mostly submerged in what seems to be dirty drainage water or sewage.  However, after closer examination, the reader realizes the focus is put on the man because his story is being told.  His story reflects the lives of the lower class in society who feel as though they do not have a voice.  For those that pay attention, the man’s story is told on his face; the story of constant worry and oppression due to the injustice of law enforcement in society.  The secondary focus is found by seeing where the man is looking with fear and anxiety.  The police officer is the secondary focal point which allows the viewer to question the relationship between the man and the officer.  Through their faces, the reader infers that their relationship is not friendly but hostel.  Police are responsible for protecting the people; not for assuming the innocent are guilty due to their financial status or appearance.  

Symbols in visual images enable the reader to see more than just a screen shot of life.  The orange caution tape suspended above the man’s head seems to simply warn pedestrians of the construction site.  However, in reality, it depicts the cautious and judgmental demeanor law enforcement displays around those without a voice.  The tape symbolizes the disconnection between law enforcement and those law enforcement rules over.  Furthermore, the man’s mouth being covered by water symbolizes his lack of voice.  There is an unjust predisposition officers have of the lower class.  When an officer sees someone who is less fortunate, he instantly questions if the law is being broken.  In the image, it appears as though the officer decides to ignore the mere peasant and continue on his day.  Law enforcement is not the only group being targeted by the image.  

Strong images often lay in the background of images.  The two pedestrians walking behind the man are no better than the police officer; they symbolize society’s affluent members.  The higher class of society turns their back to the lower class just as the two men in the image seem to not even notice the condition of the man in the sewer water.  If the viewer looks behind the police officer, the other two officers riding in the background appear. The viewer infers that the other two officers will treat the poor man the same as the initial officer.  They symbolize the ongoing and vast mistreatment law enforcement repeatedly practices.  After practicing close viewing, the message behind the image is finally understood.

Many visual images make arguments and have a purpose.  The image is a call to action because it speaks to both the high and lower classes of society.  The affluent see their reflections in the bystanders; the less fortunate see themselves as the man in the mud.  Motivation is instilled in the minds of the high class to start paying attention. The lower class is urged to demand change when viewing the visual representation of their lives.  

Rodrigo Abd uses focal point and varying layers of symbolism in the image, to all society to action.  The oppressed should no longer be underprivileged, maltreated, and disadvantaged.  Those who observe unjust policing, in their communities, must cease being static and start working towards equality for all.  In order to solve the police targeting of the less fortunate members of society, communities must work together at all levels.  Change might not be easy, nor fast, but it can and should be fought for.
