Throughout history, there have been many instances of government abusing their power and exerting too much control over its citizens. Sometimes we fail to realize that there are people all around the world lacking basic human rights and freedoms that they deserve. However, we also see brave demonstrators who protest these injustices and put their lives on the line to stand up for what they believe. In the famous photograph of the “Tank Man”, this is especially prominent. By looking at the size difference between the tanks and the man, the alignment of the tanks, the dark, the distance at which the photo is taken, and the neutral colors of the photo, we can see that the man is protesting in an intense situation because he has the tanks in front of him at a standstill. This is significant because even though it is only one man standing up against a whole army, he is a symbol of hope and change in opposing oppression. 

The first thing the viewers see when they take a look at this photograph is the significant size difference between the tanks and the man. The whole picture is focused around the two, with not much else to be seen. The man looks small and puny compared to the tanks in front of him (“Tank Man”). It is also just the one man standing up to a parade of multiple tanks. The tanks can be compared to government; large with great power and authority, while the man is a citizen within the government with little to no power. The size of the tanks shows us that government has complete influence and control regarding what citizens can and cannot do. The citizens have to succumb to this power. However, the man in the photo looks defiant, despite his size. The military has their tanks, while the man has nothing but a bag in his hand to defend himself (“Tank Man”). This also shows that it is a peaceful protest, because he does not look like he intends to hurt anyone. Yet, he still chooses to stand in front of the tanks, no matter what happens to him. The tanks could easily run him over, but he is still standing there. This is important because although he may be small physically, his bravery is immense. By himself, he is choosing to stand up for what he believes in and gain back some power. 

Next, the alignment and formation of the tanks is pointing right in the direction of the man (“Tank Man”). The man is the focal point of the photograph, proving that citizens are the most important part of a functioning government. The tanks are in direct alignment with the man, showing that all government points back to its citizens. They are the ones that should hold all of the power in society. In this case, their power and rights have been infringed upon. This is why the man feels the need to stand in front of the tanks and stop them (“Tank Man”). It is an extremely tense and powerful moment. He represents the population of citizens as a whole while making the point that individuals too can hold power. The fact that the tanks are “pointing” to the man tells us that a government cannot function without the support and willingness of its citizens. Since the man is standing in front of the tanks, it is inferred that he is stopping them from infringing on his (and the general populations) personal rights. 

The distance in which the photograph was taken is also very significant. The picture is taken from far away, and is somewhat blurry. This distance and blurriness of the tanks makes them seem less threatening (“Tank Man”). From far away, the tanks are much smaller, not as big and intimidating as they would be if the picture was taken up close. This gives the impression that there is room for change within the government and its military. They are not as intimidating and unmoving as they seem to be. This one man has the power and determination to stop the tanks, no matter how big they seem to him up close. The tanks small size from far away tells us that the government is not as powerful as it seems. People themselves are the powerful ones within a government and have the right to reform it. Even though the man is small, he represents a lot more than just himself, which is why he is able to stand in front of the tanks so firmly. 

Lastly, the colors in the photograph are also important. The picture as a whole is very dark, colored with grays, blacks, and browns (“Tank Man”). These colors convey a tense and dramatic feeling to the audience. However, the man is in stark contrast with the color of the tanks. The man is dressed in a white shirt that gives a sense of peace and innocence, while the tanks are a dark brown and black color that can be associated with death or evil (“Tank Man”). The contrast in color also shows that there is contrast of views and beliefs. Since the man is stopping the tanks from passing, he obviously is in disagreement with the government and their militaristic plans. The man is wearing a white shirt which gives off a sense of hope and in justice protesting for what he believes. The dark colors of the tanks show that they are trying to assert their dominance and authority over the man (and all of the citizens).

By looking at the photograph of the “Tank Man”, it is obvious that the man has a clear issue with the government and its militaristic reign over its citizens. This can be associated with an abuse of power and authority by the government over its citizens, which is seen through the tanks and the man. This is evident through the contrast of colors, alignment and size difference of the tanks and the man, and the distance in which the photograph was taken. Him standing in front of the tanks proves an important point that citizens have the right to protest their government. It is a bold action that takes a lot of bravery and courage to do. He is putting his life on the line by standing in front of the military tanks, which is something that not many others would do. 
