Ruth Post 2

Ruth Ellen Day

This first image I chose is an ink drawing by Mary Hilger. It is a depiction of Mother Theresa in many of her works of love. This image would lead a nation forward because it is an example of how all humans should act toward others. People should act with compassion, not hatred, and should strive to make the lives of all people comfortable and livable. Viewing this artwork would call to mind all of the acts of love and charity that Mother Theresa performed. It would inspire citizens of a nation and of the world to live their lives as close to this example as possible. I believe that Plato and I would have been in agreement on this particular piece. In the Republic, Plato implies that art is useful only as examples of ideal beauty. This image may not display beauty in the physical sense but it does display beauty of the spiritual sense and Plato was a strong believer in the immortality of the soul, “… considering that the soul is immortal and able to endure every sort of good and every sort of evil.” (Book X). Also, though this image does not depict literal truth, it does represent the true nature of Mother Theresa’s life and the acts of love that she performed. This would not cause the viewer to “neglect justice and virtue” but to embrace them.

The artwork I chose that I believe does the opposite of my first image is called “Bearded Orientals: Making the Empire Cross” by Priscilla Bracks. This image, which was showcased in a prestigious religious art completion in Australia, depicts Osama Bin Laden in a Christ-like pose. I believe that this glorifies a mass murderer and promotes violence. Christians and most Americans should be offended by such artwork because it degrades Jesus Christ and glorifies a man who was responsible for an unforgettable tragedy in the United States. It is impossible for anyone who dislikes violence to see this image as beneficial. Jesus Christ is a symbol of love and peace while Osama Bin Laden is a symbol of hatred and violence. Depicting the two as one entity not only makes a mockery of Jesus but also of the virtues that he represents. This image, does not in anyway promote truth, so I am convinced that Plato would agree that this image would prove detrimental to any society. What Plato desired for his Republic was war from without and peace and cooperation within. Such an image would only cause misunderstanding and controversy within a state or nation. Its only purpose is to spread lies.