Miners Waiting for "Scabs" to Come Out of Copper Mine During Strike, Ducktown, Tennessee after 1939

Editor: So, this powerful photograph, "Miners Waiting for 'Scabs' to Come Out of Copper Mine During Strike, Ducktown, Tennessee" by Marion Post Wolcott, feels incredibly tense. The handwritten sign makes it obvious that there is a struggle. What can you tell me about the historical context of this image? Curator: Wolcott's work for the Farm Security Administration documented the social impact of economic hardship. This image captures a moment of intense labor conflict; it reflects a struggle for workers' rights that defined much of the 20th century. The banner presents a stark reminder of the division during strikes. Editor: It’s such a striking way to capture a complex issue. I hadn’t fully considered the public role of art in documenting these struggles. Curator: Exactly. It's a potent example of how photography can engage with social issues. Did this change your perspective? Editor: Definitely, I now see it as more than just a historical document; it's a statement.