Untitled (man with two girls at soda fountain) c. 1940

Editor: This photograph, "Untitled (man with two girls at soda fountain)" by John Deusing, captures a happy moment. The inverted tones give it an eerie feel, but the scene seems joyful. What cultural memories does this image evoke for you? Curator: The soda fountain, a powerful symbol of mid-century American life, evokes nostalgia for simpler times. But look closer: the inverted image complicates this, hinting at hidden or repressed narratives. Editor: Repressed narratives? Can you elaborate? Curator: Consider the era. While the image presents a scene of leisure, what stories are not being told about race, class, or gender roles? The image acts as a reminder that every symbol has multiple layers. Editor: That’s a really insightful way to look at it. Thanks!