𝙴𝙽𝙶 𝟻𝟷𝟻𝟸 | 𝙸𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝙰𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚢𝚜𝚒𝚜 𝙰𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚢

For this activity, I will focus on Image #1 and will apply the analytic schemes of compositional interpretation and visual indicators from Chapter 4 of Rose's text. Upon seeing this image at first glance, my initial thought automatically led to the impression that this was a hip-hop album cover. However, I caught and reminded myself not to jump into conclusions too quickly. The image seen here depicts a young African-American man who is donning a clean, white tracksuit along with a pair of boots. His attire implies a hip-hop inspired sense of style as seen in popular culture. He is holding a sword upside down with his right hand and has his left hand tucked into his waist. His head is positioned and turned to the left while maintaining steady eye contact, not reverting his gaze. He is displaying a slight grin and his pose stands firm and tall, indicating that he oozes high confidence, nonchalance, and poise. What is interesting about this picture is that the background is similar to that of a courtesan style type of print that is commonly associated with the royal courts in certain European countries from long ago. The floral designs are of a gold color while the solid layout is a maroon-red. Red is generally a strong color. It indicates many meanings such as passion, anger, danger, wealth, power, and happiness. Excluding the second and third meaning, the image seems to portray the rest of the meanings. Historically and socially, people of color have long been marginalized and underrepresented. The image represents a man of color who is defying those negative interpretations and stereotypes, but still maintains and stays true to his roots because he is proud of his heritage and does not abide by meeting others' expectations or standards.