The Color Purple

photographyeducationcompositionentertainmentlife advice

Oct 25

The fight for equality, civil rights, racism, discrimination, and the demeaning of women has been portrayed many times in art – from painting to film. Photography was no different, although here it primarily took on a documentary role. This is particularly evident in the works of Gordon Parks and Charles Moore. Both artists captured the brutal reality of racial segregation in the USA, while also showing the extraordinary strength of people who resisted injustice.

Gordon Parks, the first Black photographer for Life magazine, focused on documenting the everyday struggles of African Americans with racism and poverty. His photos were a powerful tool for revealing the truth about social injustice, particularly toward women, who faced dual discrimination – both because of their race and their gender. Through his lens, Parks showed that despite adversity, these people maintained dignity, strength, and hope for a better life. His works served as a bridge between the world of the privileged and those marginalized.

Charles Moore, on the other hand, photographed the most dramatic moments of the Civil Rights Movement, including violent clashes between protesters and police. His photos, which documented brutal attacks on peaceful demonstrators in Birmingham, sparked outrage across the country. Moore captured not only violence but also the courage and determination of people fighting for their basic rights. These images helped shift public awareness and accelerated political action towards ending segregation.

Both photographers, each in their own way, contributed to raising public awareness of the injustice and inequality that persisted for decades.

As Gordon Parks famously said, "The camera is my choice of weapon." Similarly, Charles Moore stated, "I don't want to fight with my fists. I want to fight with my camera." For both, the camera was not just a tool of their profession, but a precise instrument in the fight for social equality. Their lenses became weapons in the struggle for justice and equal rights, helping to move the hearts and minds of those who may not have fully understood the depth of the problem.

You too can use a camera as a means of expression – not only in everyday matters but as a personal commentary on the events around you.

Photos: Gordon Parks