History 2202 Famous Picture from the Vietnam War, Taken in 1966

James Cods

History 2202

11/30/16

Image: ”Famous picture from the Vietnam War, taken in 1966.”

Idea 1: Racial tension was still very prominent in the Vietnam war

Evidence for Idea 1: Even after 2 years after the Civil Rights act of 1964 had gone into effect. Racial tension was still going strong. The solider laying down on the dirt seem to had said something derogatory toward the African American which prompted him to try to assault the white solider. The black solider seems to be almost charging at the white solider. As a result of this, the other soldiers in the background of the photo seem to be getting into position to try to restrain him. Race relations seemed to have still been in a very poor standstill and not much progress had been done to try to amend it. Even though today the relations between different colored people have greatly improved, it still took time for those conditions to make actual headway even after the war.

Idea 2: The Vietnam war was a very stressful war

Evidence for Idea 2: It seems evident in this photo, that many of the soldiers have been in active combat for quite a while now. Being exposed to so many fronts takes a toll on a person. The black solider in the photo especially seems to have snapped at a racist comment the solider on the ground had made. The solider on the left wearing glasses trying to contain the situation with no avail, his facial expression is that of a tired and frustrated look. Not only do U.S soldiers have to fight the ongoing threat of North Vietnamese lurking in the jungles in the background, they also have to avoid infighting amongst themselves if they are going to survive the duration of the war.

Idea 3: Wounded soldiers seem

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