Greta Weil

COLWRIT R1A

Mary Grover

11-24-19

Freedom in the Stars and Stripes

America is the home of the free and the brave. When we think of America, the flag

comes to mind. The American flag represents freedom. Therefore, pictures of the flag should

incorporate a feeling openness, ease and free expression. However, at times there may be

feelings of restrictedness. As the saying goes, a picture says a thousand words, so how an image

is portrayed in a picture can convey very different meanings and emotions. In the book ​Covering

Immagration,​ author Leo R. Chavez analyzes various techniques magazine covers use to portray

an image. His goal throughout is to show how different picture techniques evoke emotion

towards immigration. A specific part of his book has a descriptive section on the use of the

American flag on magazine covers he states “[t]he American flag is another important symbol of

the nation that is easily associated with immigration” (Chavez, 75). While analyzing different

images with the common theme of the American flag, the use of light and movement became

very apparent. In every image the flag is beaming, each photo has a positive view on the flag as

the light represents opportunity and freedom. Each image of the flag below uses lighting and

positioning of the image to factor in inclusion or exclusion to America..

The image of people lining up as they enter the bright door gives a sense of inclusion.

This photo came from an article in The Economic Times.​ New bill in the US Senate for more
green cards​, written by Priyanka Sangani, is about passing a bill for the senate to distribute more

green cards. This new bill relates to the immgration bill, so families are able to access refuge for

their family. From the article in relation to the photo, it can be assumed that the people waiting in

line are waiting for their green card. Figures of various men and women lined up to go through

an open beaming door. The light coming from the door gives one a sense of hope and

opportunity this light is similar to how

movies and people portray going to heaven.

Surrounding each door frame is the

American flag printed around it. Viewing the

wall and each door frame one could assume these

people are awaiting access to the US. Chavez uses a term called the “infinity line” which refers

to a never ending line. The never ending line of people, shows how many people want to get into

the U.S. In addition, the fact that the image of the flag and line of people seem to extend beyond

the edges of the photo, which gives the viewer an impression extended opportunity in America.

The next image below represents exclusion. The person is behind the fence facing

America. This image comes from the Dallas Observer, a blog based in Dallas. ​Immigration

Limitations Based on Healthcare Set to Go into Effect Sunday, ​written November 1, 2019 by

Meredith Lawrence. A new policy was passed on the day this article was written, “​[t]his Sunday,

yet another new immigration policy will go into effect: immigrants coming into the country will

be required to show proof of health insurance or the ability to secure health insurance or pay for

medical costs within 30 days of entering the U.S” (Lawrence). With this new policy it makes

harder for immigrants to get into America. Making them feel trapped on the other side of the
fence as represented in the image. ​Reaching towards

America, this image shows a shadow of a hand

grasping on to the wire fence. One could assume that

the person wants to reach America, as the American

flag is slightly blurred in the background. While the

flags brightness contrasts against the black fence and

hand, it shows the hope of opportunity and freedom. This brings in a point from Chavez in that

“the mere presence of the flag establishes that the nation and its people are an essential part of

the images subject” (74).

The next image shows inclusion in flag. All the faces together making the flag whole. This

image came from The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of California at

Berkeley. A blog written by Giovanni Peri​ in 2013, about​ ​The Economic Benefits of Economic

Growth.​ The image and article are in relation to the immigration and nationality act. A place is

nothing without people to fill it. This image shows a diverse group of faces in the American flag.

Varying in emotions, each face looks fairly peaceful even though some are smiling and some

have neutral expressions. The use of a collage of faces is

another key element discussed in Chavez’s analysis. “The

image is a cool technological meltdown that diffuses the

threat posted by multiculturalism” (64). This is an excerpt

Chavez uses to describe another image, but it also relates

to this image in the way it represents multiculturalism. The various faces in the image make it a

melting pot. Another way the flag represents immigration through this photo is that is has a wave
in it, as if it were flowing in the wind. Immigration flows and is always moving, this represent

the flow in the flag.

Finally, people coming together brings opportunity for all. The last image below shows

an inclusive act as everyone is standing together. The photograph is from a blog and is simply a

march in texas to fight for immigration. It is posted in The Portal to Texas History, taken by Jose

L. Castillo in 2009. The protest photographed is for immigration, as there are many signs stating

“Justice and Dignity for all US Immigrants” (Castillo). Mass groups of people fighting for what

they believe while waving flags. “[T]he flag is

changed or acted upon can be a powerful metaphor

for changes in the nation itself” (78). The flags

catch the light of the sun. Illuminating them making

each flag bright. They wanted to see change and

they represented that through the flag. The crowd of

people make it seem like it is never ending. This is a point Chavez makes in his analysis, he uses

a theory called the “infinity line.” “It is used to give a subtle but distinct impression that the flow

of immigrants does not have a definite end in sight it simply goes on to infinity” (Chavez, 69).

This usually is considered alarmist but in this case it is empowering.

Overall, the inclusion and exclusion is seen throughout these images in reference to

coming into America. The way light and movement are portrayed in the photo makes the U.S. a

place of opportunity. America was branded with the name “the land of the free.”
 Works Cited:

Chavez, Leo Ralph. ​Covering Immigration: Popular Images and the Politics of the Nation​.

University of California Press, 2001.

Sangani, Priyanka. “New Bill in US Senate for More Green Cards.” ​The Economic Times​,

Economic Times, 18 Oct. 2019,

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/new-bill-in-us-senate-for-more-

green-cards/articleshow/71641090.cms​.

Lawrence, Meredith. “Immigration Limitations Based on Healthcare Set to Go into Effect

Sunday.” ​Dallas Observer​, 4, 15 Nov. 2019,

https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/immigration-limitations-based-on-healthcare-set-to-go-int

o-effect-sunday-11796379​.

Galadan. “IMMIGRATION: The Economic Benefits of Immigration.” ​Center for Latin

American Studies (CLAS),​ 24 Sept. 2015,

https://clas.berkeley.edu/research/immigration-economic-benefits-immigration​.

Castillo, and José L. “[Large Crowd of Immigration Protesters Holding Signs and Waving

American Flags].” ​The Portal to Texas History​, 15 Mar. 2007,

https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth23200/​.