Most Americans are able to recall certain photographs taken throughout history. The photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt was taken after the announcement of Japan's surrender in WWII. Most people think of this photograph as a portrayal of a very intimate moment between a couple, specifically a sailor returning from his service in the war, however, the real story behind this image is quite different. Apparently the sailor in this picture, for fear of another deployment, was running around Times Square kissing every girl he could find. Who or how old the girl was did not matter. Quite ironic if you truely consider such an iconic image of Americana has an almost secret story behind it.
Nevertheless, I love this image. In fact, I own a print of it, not because of what the real story is but because it is a beautiful photograph depicting many different emotions. Other sailors and people walking by the couple, the excitement of Times Square itself and of course the passion behind the sailor's embrace of this woman. Details such as the woman's kicked up foot along with the group of women behind the couple ogling and what is occurring. Most likely making up a similar romantic story that the rest of the American public will soon embrace, the photograph was published in Time Magazine.
Even with the discovery of this "story behind the photograph" I still have the automatic reaction of awwww! Because of the woman not the man's emotion. She seems so content, melting in his arms with her legs in a somewhat awkward, however she ended up sort of way. This body language does a great deal to disprove the story. Not to say it is a lie, I'm just not completely convinced.
ReplyDelete