Following the uproar of racial tension in Ferguson, Missouri, American political writer Tim Dickinson released the photo essay titled, Ferguson, Uncensored. Photos Dickson chose to feature within this essay show themes of surrender and peace in the way of visual motifs. Along with the surrender of the protesters, the staunch divide between the police and protesters in shown by way of contrasting colors. These elements have a strong impact on the reader and display this theme in a way that causes the reader to raise questions, and cause for an appeal to emotions in favor of the protesters. Religious aspects of these photos, shown through raised arms and bowed heads are also used to convey this theme.  Raised arms, and contrasting colors are used by Dickinson to display a message to the audience of peace and surrender from the protesters in Ferguson.

The photo essay opens with the photo, “Untitled”, which depicts a man with his arms raised, in a way that appears to be an act of surrender. Surrender is seen to be highlighted by the protesters in this photo, not only due to the man in the center of the photo, but those standing behind and round him. As the audiences’ eyes are drawn to the man standing in the middle of the crowd with his head bowed and arms raised. This to some is viewed as an act of prayer, in which many who believe in Christianity may ask for forgiveness from God. Not only does it seem the protesters are surrendering and asking for peace between them and the police, but also this element that is seen as a religious act is seen as a surrender to something bigger than solely the situation at hand. Although the raised arms of the crowd seem to be an act toward the police, because there are none seen present this creates the notion that they are also surrendering to the cause itself. This message shown from the body language of the protesters is showing a sense of hopelessness and a need to give up. This causes for the audiences to sympathize with the protesters, as they feel as though there is nothing they can do to bring upon change. This forces the audience to see the protests from a different perspective, and shows the somewhat peaceful nature of the protesters. 

Dickinson’s use of color contrast is another visual element that is present in the opening photo, “Untitled”. Upon looking at this photo, the overall colors seen are dark shades. Whether it be the darkness of the sky, the umbrella covering the protesters from the rain, or the dark clothing worn by the crowd, all elements expect for one depict a message of darkness and sadness. The feeling of sadness is felt by the audience due to these dark colors, matched with the emotions and body language of the people gathered in a crowd. This appeal to the readers’ emotions only further solidify the theme of surrender. The darkness of the photo overall is contrasted with a blue and white light, that is seen shining in the upper part of this photo. Due to this clear contrast, the audiences’ eyes are drawn to this light, and they are able to relate this contrast to the theme. The light can be seen as happiness and hope, and in this photo, this is far out of reach for the protesters. This only adds to the darkness of the colors surrounding the light, but also adds to the message the light and dark contrast are working to prove. 

The photo, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot,” uses the gesture of the African American man to appeal to emotions, also by use of contrasting colors. This photo uses the colors contrast in a more obvious way. Because of the presence of vibrant colors in the protester’s blue shirt, and the orange storage doors, the darkness of the police uniforms stand out dramatically. The blue of the man’s shirt causes the readers to connect this color with peace, because of the brightness of the shirt, as well as the color relating to many positive things in our everyday lives, such as the sky. This color is used to appeal to the emotions of the audience, and appeal this is done by using bright colors to give a sense of a friendly aura. Orange and blue are complimentary color, which is why Dickinson took notice in including these in his photo. The dark colors between the two contrasting draws the attention to the way in which they are dressed; as if they are going into war opposed to a suburb in Missouri. The separation is caused by what appears to be a wall of police restricting the joining of these two colors. This only further directs the attention to the man in the blue shirt and allows for more analysis to be made about this situation. Apposed to the bright colors, the dark colors warn by the police send a message of danger and oppression coming from the police force.

Unlike the opening photo, “Untitled”,  the photo, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot”, shows the police in close proximity with the protester; this creates a different feeling with the audience.

The interaction of the raised hands in comparison to the drawn guns of the police, draws the attention to the way body language of both forces in the photo. The difference in this, shows a calm, and accepting attitude of the protester. This can be seen as acceptance of the surrender to the police force that is directly in front of him. Looking at the gestures of the protester compared to those of the police, it is clear who won this encounter. The blue and the raised arms work together to give this feeling of a want for peace and surrender from the protester; the band of police, who are viewed as the oppression, clearly do not accept the surrender of the protester. 

These visual elements captured by Dickinson are able to show a clear theme of surrender and peace from the side of the protesters. This side of the protests has gone unseen by many, and this essay spreads a side of this event that puts the protestors and their true feelings and actions  into the eyes of the public. The use of colors and elements shown by the individuals in these photos have a large impact emotionally on the audience. The theme of surrender and a sense of hopelessness to the police and the cause overall is so apparent throughout this essay by the use of these visuals; these components and create even a sort of call-to-action from the audience. Awareness to this situation and mistreatment of minorities, such as African-Americans, is brought upon from this photo essay, and this shows the need for awareness. The display of surrender from the protestors is so apparent and these photos contain a much deeper message than what is only seen at first glance.
