What We Once Were

The title suggest a sadness, melancholy - hopefully reading that correct. I guess in these days where hotheads seems to have the stage more than the moderate levelheaded, it's a melancholy I can fully understand.

At the same time - being the strong, famous, symbol it is - the mere act of photographing it from an unusual and different point of view, obscuring parts that usually "make" the portrait, and drawing attention to the parts usually disgarded, is maybe the best response to that melancholy too. A different view on what freedom is, what it takes (not a flame held high, but a book held close - there is something to it) and putting ourselves in a humble position towards the high ideal..... I'm not saying it's the right point of view, but the exercise of studying it, in your case seeing it, sharing it and discussing it is important, as ever or maybe even more so.

So, hopefully I misread sadness.... it's a bit of hope, looking back and forward at the same time.

This foreshortened view of Lady Liberty turns her from a beacon of freedom into something a bit more grotesque. Perhaps this reflects our shift when it comes to welcoming the downtrodden of the world to our shore. Nice to see you posting a new picture. I'm currently in northern California visiting my family, my annual trip to the homeland ,so I don't have many opportunities to visit pn.

This one is very provocative for me right now. It does seem to be a knowingly grotesque perspective on Lady Liberty. I still remember being moved in elementary school when learning Emma Lazarus's poem by heart . . . "Give me your tired, your poor."

This country is barely recognizable to me anymore. I'm both ashamed and scared. I'm watching a series made for Amazon Video called The Man in the High Castle, which envisions a world in which the Allies lost WWII and Germany and Japan and have divided up the United States into territories of their dictatorships. The ease with which a country like Germany (back then) was able to demonize a group and coordinate ignorance and hatred into power and wide scale extermination is something always to remember. And with the accolades and attention Donald Trump and some of the other hateful leaders are getting with their own brand of ignorance and bigotry toward populations they deem different or frightful, it strikes me that the people of this world can be quite readily led astray if not led by leaders who have compassion, knowledge, and sense. 

I think what's important about this photo is its timely provocation and its ability to open me up to say what I think and share those thoughts with others I care about.

Since the impetus regarding this shot is woven from several of the thoughts you gents expressed, I thought it easier to respond collectively.  I feel unbelievable sadness and rage when I hear our pompous, fear-mongering leaders and hopefuls denigrate an entire swath of people because of the evil of a few who happen to fall loosely under their umbrella.  Terrorism feeds on the terrified. 

I cannot fathom how so-called "believers" can vilify and reject refugees, twisting scripture to excuse hatred and racism.  I'm far-removed from my religious right roots, but I still find that each new prophet with a bullhorn shocks the hell out of me (or perhaps the heaven).  My read of scripture is that there's a clear divine mandate to care for the refugees and others in need.  I'm also mindful of the fact that the Book clearly points out that Satan can quote scripture, which is what I hear when I catch snippets of our pontificating politicians and pundits.  I think of the ocean liner St. Louis turned away from Miami during WWII because of fear and bigotry regarding potential Nazis among the Jews on board.  A national sin. 

Excuse the religious imagery.  There are times when the concepts of sin and evil seem a useful shorthand.

The picture several weeks back of the drowned three year-old washed ashore absolutely floored me.  As did the picture of his father who lost everyone he was trying to save.  I lost sleep because the images were so troubling.  Lady Liberty seems so cold and faceless and angry and paranoid these days.  Her promise and her light seem so out of reach.

I sincerely appreciate your comments since I often fear that the hate is overtaking the sanity and reason in our country. My 6 decades have taught me that the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other.  Still some of the current vitriolic attitudes make we worry that we're headed for the proverbial cliff. I agree with Fred that ignorance is largely to blame but how do you get to those who don't want to know the facts?  

Thanks again for reassuring me that I'm not alone in my concern.  ~~~~~~~~~L

"This country is barely recognizable to me anymore." - strikes a chord with me. During my youth in the 80s and 90s the USA had been (or at least had the image of being) the freest country on this planet, a role model for democratic states and societies. It has changed during the last 14 years.

In Europe and Germany - usually lagging a couple of years behind trends from across the Atlantic - we see similar development: the loud squealers get the attention - even if not (yet) representing a majority they spin and pull the crowd into their direction. So far, we luckily still have voices that are capable of a reasonable policital discussion (and capable of compromises) - yet, I do not take it for granted that they won't be drowned out by the oversimplifiers...

So, yes, a provovative photo - Liberty is challenged...

A refreshing view of liberty... so nice and so needed... it's not enough to get used to it and see it just there, it leaves us if we don't care.

Great image.

Regards,

ricardo

very good angle

Great photo, you made your point, regards. 

Sort of like a view a small child might get complete with intimidation in front of an adult who could stomp them, or one could look up her "dress."  A feeling of helplessness and such a smart way make offer your view on Lady Liberty.  This is a sad time, indeed.  

I tend to have a cynical streak on a good day, but I've been absolutely broadsided by the rampant bigotry, rancor and anti-intellectualism (stupidity) of the present political cycle.  Just when I think that we've hit rock bottom, a new bottom emerges.  Here, there's no face, minimal light, and the words can't be read.  There's nothing left but a metal wall.

Jeff,

I think fear and xenophobia are being tapped into -- the worst of people -- and it has been producing a mob mentality where people are comfortable letting out this hatred, as it is becoming a "norm."  

A great way to look at this!