Those with a Divine Presence

        In a photo taken by Stephen Crowley at a Republican rally during the 2012 election, I sense the irony in Mitt Romney's savior-like pose, confirming American's adoration of political leaders. The image in this contemporary artifact is important because Crowley subtly captures the humor in American politics. Being a veteran Washington political photographer, Crowley saw the composition, lighting, and perspective he envisioned for this photo: Romney appears to be this godlike figure to his followers, when in reality, he is just a man, who was not even elected. It is almost like Romney is summoning his audience, with his arms in an upright position, a religious posture. The spot light in front of him and ceiling lights all focus in on the most important figure in the room. Romney is the only one on the stage, above his audience and followers, who is wearing a white shirt. White is sign on purity, religiously speaking. His rapt audience is snapping pictures of their favorite "icon." Mitt Romney is someone the republicans look to as their heavenly leader.
        Similarly, The Crucible, presents characters with special insights, answers to difficult questions beyond that of a "common" man. In Puritan times, the minister had both the civil and religious role as a leader in the community. His authority was never questioned by one below him. A fellow reverend, Hale, defends the head reverend of Salem, Mr. Parris saying, "The man's ordained, therefore the light of God is in him"(62). Mr. Parris is allowed to make an accusation without evidence because of his "official" status being "sent from God." His judgment is superior to those of the community being "god-approved." Romney's godlike appearance shows his superiority to those in the audience. They "look up" to him for their own answers.
        Our class examined the movie, Glory, in which Frederick Douglass, though not elected, is highly revered by the abolitionists and free African Americans during the Civil War. The scenes Douglass is shown in portray him in a godlike manner with his stern features and white hair. He is shown in front of a "white" window in the first scene, while all other characters appear in front of a backdrop of a dark room. The viewer can then again see Douglass while the African American troops parade in Boston before going to fight in the south; Douglass is the only African American on the viewing stand, always pictured in the middle. Both Douglass and Romney are the center of focus where they appear. Those against slavery look to Frederick Douglass just as the conservatives look to Mitt Romney for hope.
       Mr. O'Connor's blog, "Proclaiming Emancipation," shows a picture of the Emancipation Memorial in Washington D.C. I believe the designer and sculptor portrayed Abraham Lincoln in this godlike, religious pose with his arms up, like Mitt Romney, as if he was summoning the slaves to set them free. Lincoln's left hand extends out, giving a blessing to the slave, while his other hand rests on the Emancipation Proclamation, the document of his origin. Lincoln has always been admired by many Americans, regardless of their political affiliations. The slave figure under Lincoln looks out to his future of freedom; Romney's followers look toward him as if he has the capacity to free them from the legislation and ideology of the Obama administration. In the 2012 presidential election - despite his divine presence Crowley captured - Romney was not elected. Evidently, there were not enough true believers.