Untitled (fraternity dance, man with fake hanging manequin) c. 1950

Editor: This photograph by Jack Gould, titled *Untitled (fraternity dance, man with fake hanging manequin)*, shows a man next to a mannequin hanging by the neck. The subject matter feels shocking given today's social climate. What is your interpretation of this piece? Curator: The use of a hanging figure in a fraternity context raises immediate questions about power, performance, and social commentary. Given the historical context of fraternities and their often-exclusive membership, how might this image reflect or critique those power dynamics? Editor: That's interesting. I didn't consider the power dynamics involved. Curator: It's important to consider the public role of fraternities and the potential impact of such imagery. How might this photograph have been received then, and how does its reception change over time? Editor: It gives a lot to consider about fraternities' roles and impact on society. Curator: Precisely. Visual culture plays a significant role in shaping these perceptions.