While only .1% of genetic material varies from person to person, human beings still seem to struggle with the idea that we are all virtually the same.  Human beings often fail to recognize the humanity in everyone, therefore creating a separation in the human race.  This disconnect between human beings is often displayed when one person has some sort of power over another person which creates an inequality between people which there is no reason for.  All of these ideas are very prevalent in a photograph of the University of California-Davis pepper spray incident taken by Louise Macabitas.  Macabitas does an excellent job using design elements to portray the situation in a way that the audience can emotionally experience what is happening in the picture.  By looking at the officer as a focal point, the alignment with the other spectators, and the proximity to the students, we can see a clear disconnect between the officer and the other subjects of the photo.  This is important because it reflects society’s inability to recognize authority figures as fellow human beings.

At first glance at the photograph, the viewer’s eye immediately shifts to the police officer.  The positioning of the officer compared to the students is an unmistakable position of power.  Due to the large size of the officer standing above the students huddled over in fear, the audience cannot help but to feel at the very least, intimidated by him.  This positioning also creates sympathy towards the students on the ground because they are clearly lacking control.  Also, because of the officer’s helmet and the angle of the camera, the viewer is unable to see his eyes.  Eyes are a major part of facial expression in how humans read each other’s emotions.  Since the audience lacks the close up view of the officer’s face we are unable to see any sign of sympathy or any other emotions in his facial expression.  Although the viewer can recognize that the officer is physically another human being, the lack of emotion and position of authority creates a major disconnect between the audience and the officer which can be quite frustrating to a viewer.  The audience is looking for any of explanation for why the officer would be partaking in such a heinous act but because of the way the photo is set up we are unable to see any concern or any remorse in the officer.  All of these factors lead to the audience being unable to connect to the officer creating a hostility towards him.

Another emotion inducing aspect of the photograph is the spacing between the subjects of the photo.  The alignment of the other spectators directly across from where the photo is essential for the viewers to fully comprehend the entire situation.  The other spectators are a mirror image of the spot in which the photograph was taken.  We can see the second police officer pushing back the spectators on the other side making the viewer feel as if they are being pushed away from the situation and as if the officers are trying to shield them from seeing what is happening.  This furthers the sense of frustration with the officers. Due to the alignment directly across from the spectators, their faces are the only ones we can see in the photograph.  As previously stated, facial expressions have the ability to bring out an emotional response for other people.  In the photograph we see repeated expressions of shock and horror which reinforce the viewer’s initial feelings.  This connection adds a more personal element to the photo.  In visual images there is often a disconnect between the photograph and reality and by being placed directly across from other spectators it seems as if the viewer is actually standing and watching the situation just like the other spectators are.  By seeing their facial reactions, there is a realization that the photograph is real and not just an image.  

The camera angle is interesting because the audience gets the experience of a spectator, but due to the proximity to the students and the officer, they also get to experience the situation as a student.  The camera was positioned at the end of the line of students and was slightly angled towards the police officer.  Whether the viewer realizes it or not they are essentially in the same line as the students. This element quite literally put the viewer on the students’ side.  Without even considering any other elements of the photograph, the viewer feels as if they are one of the students.  The officer’s body position is also facing towards the camera making it seem as if he is walking towards the viewer and creating a sense of fear for the viewer as if they were also in the line of fire.  These aspects completely shape the viewer’s experience by allowing them to see the entirety of the situation while still being able to emotionally connect to the students.  There is an obvious helplessness about the students, creating empathy towards them while also creating feeling of fear among the audience as if they were one of the students. This this furthers the separation between the officer and the audience.  Not only is the audience disconnected from him, but they also have a fear of him.    

Before even taking into account the horrendous act of pepper spraying a line of students by an officer, the viewer is already siding with the students from the second they look at the image.  The contrast of the officer, alignment of the photograph, and proximity to the subjects all create a disconnect between the audience and the officer.  The lack of compassion and understanding for fellow human beings is greatly reflected by this photograph.  However, just as in the image the photographer controls how the audience sees the image, perhaps society has influenced the view of authority figures in today’s world.
