GCU Representing the Native Americans as Native Americans Discussion

DISCUSSION 5.3 :

Manzanar Through Different Lenses

from left to right:

Tōyō Miyatake, Dorothea Lange, and Ansel Adams

Answer the following in full sentences and a cohesive short essay format (at least 1 paragraph for each numbered section):

1. Compare and contrast ALL of the following set of photographs depicting Manzanar, focusing specifically on meaningful differences in form and style.

• • Think about how depth of filed, angle, and other compositional choices are differently employed by each photographer.

SET 1 :

• • Adams, Manzanar, CA, 1943 (1943, gelatin silver print)
    vs.
  • Miyatake, Guard Tower (1944, gelatin silver print)

SET 2 :

• • Miyatake, Manzanar Grammar School Fire Drill (1942, gelatin silver print)
    vs.
  • Lange, Manzanar (1943, gelatin silver print)

SET 3 :

• • Lange, The Mochida Family (1943, gelatin silver print)
    vs.
  • Adams, Manzanar, CA, 1943 (1943, gelatin silver print)
    vs.
  • Miyatake, Three Boys Playing Near a Bared-Wire Fence (1943, gelatin silver print)

2. Explain how each photographers' choices in form and style are influenced by their personal backgrounds, interests, and life experiences. How are their representations of Manzanar also reflections of themselves?

3. Discuss how each photographer makes you see Manzanar in a specific way and think critically about kinds of emotions or responses each photographer elicits from you as the viewer. If you didn't know that these were all photographs of Manzanar, what would you think their were representing and for what purpose?