Watching the Box

Watching the Box, a photo by Epiclectic on Flickr.

a review of EPILECTIC's illustration "Watching the Box"

AN ESSAY ABOUT PROPAGANDA, ILLUSTRATIONS AND A FREE AMERICA

Isn't it odd how society can change images through education. For example, when attending elementary school, many of our books illustrated men smoking pipes. They were usually the kind, grandfatherly type and often pictured with their grandchildren or children. Now, 60 years later,the non-smoking advocates in government positions have decided that smokers are deviant beings who are determined to foul the environment, thus making them a negative part of our populace. Now, one never sees reality in textbooks or advertisements illustrating pipe-smoking men.

As a pipe smoker since I was 12, I have seen this movement evolve. Now, when enjoying a pipe at a park with my grandchildren, other children passing by will stare at me as though I were a troll; some point and comment to their guardians. I am, in their eyes, a criminal because I am smoking. This is an example of how education can use propaganda to ruin the character of members of the population.

I am waiting to see a textbook illustrating citizens shooting up with needles in public parks. Yes, I am waiting for illustrations of how gangsters and thugs go about intimidating those in Central Park or on the streets. I am waiting for illustrations of events where beer is being served to create negative attitudes about Americans enjoying a cold beer.

This is how the socialists sitting in their cubicles will demonize those celebrating 4th of July celebrations, Christian holidays and free enterprise. Yes, illustrations can definitely effect the ideas of young children. It all depends on who is a socialist and who is one who wants this wonderful nation of democracy and free enterprise to fail.

By Robert L. Huffstutter

rapture tune

rapture tune, a photo by artist's gallery on Flickr.

HOW DO I SEE THIS PAINTING? IS IT MORE THAN A PAINTING, BUT AN ESSAY ABOUT OUR PURPOSE ON EARTH?

This is a consolidated work of extreme knowledge about a wide-array of subject matter, combined with what I would suspect is an eclectic philosophy, or the philosophy of one seeking wisdom of the ages.

There are symbols of a multitude of defining ideals, reminders of a search by past cultures and causes for the truth. Within this assortment of graphic excellence is a theme of simplicity, a kind of river of goodness trying to flow smoothly.

From my position as a viewer, I see grief and I see joy, but moreover, I see a hope that is present in all who are alive and seeking goodness and joy. It is the kind of painting that exercises one's mind. My congratulations to the artist whose talent created this graphic pleasure.

Robert L. Huffstutter
rapture tune by artist's gallery

HEADED TOWARD CALIFORNIA 1959

HEADED TOWARD CALIFORNIA 1959, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

If I only knew then what I know now. Wow, what a joy. But I had my share of fun. It seems that fun was what life was all about back then....
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Photo taken by my Aunt Dorothy when I was getting ready to go to the Union Station to board a train for Los Angeles.