Brynne post 2

Brynne PiotrowskiThe aftermath of the disastrous and horrific events of September 11, 2001 provided many images that demonstrate American unity and courage, among other qualities. Above is just one of the multitude of pictures taken during that day. This particular photograph captures five men rescuing a victim of the attacks. Two of the rescuers are obviously firemen, but the identities of the other three are not clear. What makes this image particularly powerful is how it demonstrates American resolve, perseverance, and unity. I believe Plato would be amenable to this photograph as a work that serves to unite the country. It depicts a common bond among five seemingly unrelated men—taking responsibility for their fellow countryman. Furthermore, the determination of these men in a very dark day in America’s history is in tune with Plato’s opinions on handling grief and emotion. Plato remarks in Book X of The Republic that, “grief stands in the way of that which at the moment is most required.” Later in the same work he says, “the feeling of sorrow which has gathered strength at the sight of the misfortunes of others is with difficulty repressed in our own [self].” The five rescuers captured in this photograph have managed to overcome what Plato terms, “a natural hunger and desire to relieve our sorrow by weeping and lamentation,” (Book X) and are carrying on to deal with the task at hand. Such a quality appears to be greatly admired by Plato, as judged from his writings in Book X of The Republic.

Quite a different message emerges from this photograph depicting protestors with a United States flag bearing an illustration of torture superimposed upon it. In addition to the silhouetted figure being displayed on the flag, the flag is being flown upside down. According to Public Law 829 passed by the 77th Congress (frequently referred to as “The Flag Code”) the flag is never to be flown upside down, “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Regardless of how appropriate that definition might be to the protestors in the picture, the flag was likely flown upside-down in this instance as a sign of disrespect. I believe Plato would look with disdain upon both the dishonored flag itself and the image of the protestors with the flag. I draw this conclusion primarily upon Plato’s interest in building-up the nation and focusing on harmony rather than discord. However, I believe Plato would also hold a hostile view towards this image because it deals with appearances and the flag serves as an imitation, as interpreted by the protestors’ points-of-view. Since Plato speaks with hostility towards both imitation and appearances in Book X of The Republic, he would likely express a similar attitude toward this image.