Untitled ("That War Makes Boys Men") 1971

Editor: This is an untitled piece by Donald Blumberg, it looks like a photographic reproduction of a newspaper clipping. The headline reads "That War Makes Boys Men," and it features a portrait of Sgt. Barbarino. It feels very staged, almost propagandistic. What's your take on this? Curator: It's interesting how Blumberg uses the newspaper format. The image and text present a sanitized view of the Vietnam War, focusing on individual comfort and acts of charity. But the headline suggests a darker narrative, the loss of innocence. How does the juxtaposition of text and image function within a socio-political climate of war and protest? Editor: So, it’s like Blumberg is highlighting the way the media shapes our understanding of war. Curator: Precisely. By presenting this fabricated narrative, Blumberg critiques the public role of imagery and the political manipulation inherent in wartime reporting. This piece serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in shaping public perception. Editor: That makes me see this in a completely different light. It's not just a staged photo, but a commentary on the staged nature of war itself. Thanks!