Posted on May 27, 2015 by Greg Lewis
Martese Johnson…Michael Brown…Eric Gardner… these names evoke specific emotions and images to many. Specifically the fear of not being able to walk freely in a country that not only promises freedom but was in fact that was founded on freedom. The anger of being denied what the founders of this country described as, “certain inalienable rights”. And ultimately, the sadness, of realizing that after years of hard work there are still those who hold on to prejudices, biases and animosity which should have no place in our society or our world.
Often when someone is arraigned you’ll find that certain ethnicities, especially Black Males, tend to have “mug shots” released to the media. Whereas others have high school or college photos,which are used to acquaint said persons with the general populace. There is a stark contrast of opinions formed between the two. You associate one set of photos with very negative actions. The other with college education, careers as nurses or physicians, or maybe even dancers or business persons.
As you observe the following photographs I challenge you to take note of the thoughts or assumptions that you yourself make. At the end ask yourself whether after observing all the photos if your original assumptions have truly changed concerning the first photo you observed of the persons.
Photography and Text by Greg Lewis, Copyright 2015
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About the Author: Gregory Lewis is majoring in Nursing, enrolled in the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2015.