Depending on the audiences past experiences or memories, their emotions that are express toward this image will be very different. Rom Harre’ s philosophy explains that our society develops their emotions based on what they are exposed to( Johnson 8). A veteran or soldier may put themselves in that situation and feel the struggle that the soldier and child has. They will know the environment that the boy lives in and have a better understanding of the hardship that he may be facing. For people of all different backgrounds, they may feel a sense of hope, happiness, sadness, and love for both subjects. It is interesting how the sadness of what the veteran feels would most likely be different from what a person who isn’ t a soldier feels. This example represents Hume’ s Theory of Sympathy. Hume’ s definition of Sympathy states“ the conversion of an idea into an impression by the force of imagination”( Agosta 6). The interaction portrayed in the picture between the soldier and young boy gives off specific emotions and this“ idea” is communicated to the audience where they feel an emotion of their own. Here, even our actual English language may block one from expressing their true emotions.
When people view this picture, it may spark a horrific memory of the event that took place on September 11, 2001. This day has forever changed the world. It may bring memories of exactly where they were when the news of the terrorist attack was happening on American soil. This may bring complete sadness to them especially if they lost their loved ones in the attack. On the other hand, this picture may bring them reassurance that the world will reach a sense of peace eventually. As mentioned, there is an obvious connection of love with the mannerisms of both of the subjects in the picture. The audience may feel the love between them and reflect that back on themselves.
Clearly, the reason for emotions and love can be explained by both psychological and physiological theories. It is this challenge that makes it difficult to define what exactly love is. By analyzing this picture of the soldier and boy, it shows both of their loves for one another and the soldiers love for his country. In a world, that has an immense amount of division and terrorism, this picture plays a huge role in showing that with love, there may be peace eventually. •
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