Image 1 The cover of TIME magazine’s annual Person of the Year issue is a work of art that Plato would have deemed acceptable, for it serves to “empower” the state. In 2003, American troops had been deployed to Iraq, and the United States was beginning to experience a severe division in views regarding the Iraq War; however, this magazine cover depicting three American soldiers served to bring many Americans together in support of the troops.
As Plato states in Book X, art has the ability to bring out emotions in the people experiencing the art. In this way, this magazine cover allows readers to feel pride in their country and troops as well as a sense of freedom and security. Because of this, the country is able to progress and to become more unified.
As Plato states in Book X, art has the ability to bring out emotions in the people experiencing the art. In this way, this magazine cover allows readers to feel pride in their country and troops as well as a sense of freedom and security. Because of this, the country is able to progress and to become more unified.
Image 2
This work of art (Picnic) by an Iraqi surrealist painter named Muayad Muhsin depicts an arrogant Donald Rumsfeld with his army boot-clad feet propped up on a destroyed artifact of Iraq’s past. In the background stands a giant statue of a lion with his head smashed open; furthermore, white papers are flying into the air symbolizing the 
loss of libraries and museums due to the bombing of Iraq by the United States. Plato would have disapproved of this painting not only because it is art, but also because it has the potential to divide a country and provoke conflict; moreover, this painting evokes emotions of hatred and sadness that Plato believed to be the weaknesses in humans.
loss of libraries and museums due to the bombing of Iraq by the United States. Plato would have disapproved of this painting not only because it is art, but also because it has the potential to divide a country and provoke conflict; moreover, this painting evokes emotions of hatred and sadness that Plato believed to be the weaknesses in humans.
1 comment:
As the issue of the Iraq war created a political barrier between Americans, both sides relentlessly offered their support to the troops in Iraq. This resulted in a competition between both political parties to see which was more “patriotic.” Despite the prevalent immaturity in political battles, both sides are able to see beyond their personal interests to favor the national interest of motivating, encouraging, and providing support to the nation’s loyal troops.
Plato’s desire to glorify the nation or to provide support for the nation takes its roots in the militarist society of which he was so fond. It is refreshing to see the media honor the troops—who by the way may not all agree with the war but are still fighting for their country. Their conviction cannot be shattered by a press who is not so fond of the president who authorized this war to begin with. The attacks on the president and on the war have served to further weaken the troops’ presence in the battlefield which in turn leads soldiers and army men to doubt their purpose in the war they are in.
Your second image is iconic of the Arab viewpoint towards the warmongers of the Bush administration. If the country has already enough negative publicity with the unpopular war, why further the toppling agenda with cartoons that will only serve to weaken Americans. It is terrible enough for the American image that a cartoon such as this was drawn, but worse is to keep showing it through different forms of media.
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