Parade, Canal Street--New Orleans 1955

Robert Frank captured this photograph, Parade, Canal Street--New Orleans, using gelatin silver print. At first glance, the American flag, juxtaposed with the Canal Street sign, evokes feelings of patriotism and civic pride. Yet, upon closer inspection, a more complex narrative unfolds. Flags, since ancient times, have been symbols of identity, unity, and power. Think of Roman legions marching under their eagles, or medieval banners proclaiming feudal lords. Here, though, the flag seems to preside over a crowd marked by segregation. Each face tells a different story, with an ocean of emotions. The rigid lines of the street sign further emphasize the societal structures that divide them. This photograph reminds me of history paintings. But here Frank introduces uncertainty and discomfort in his depiction. The flag, intended to unite, becomes a symbol of division. It speaks to the psychological tension between collective identity and individual experience. It prompts us to reflect on how symbols evolve, carrying with them the weight of history.