Freedom Of Speech At Work

I captured today’s image while walking the streets of downtown Greenville, SC, looking for pictures for my fine art shop.

Background Story

Last Saturday I went to downtown Greenville, SC, which is just a 30-minute ride from where I live. I took the Fujifilm X-Pro1 with a Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D mounted. The reason why I picked this camera/lens combination might be a topic for a future blog post.

The idea was, to create some images for my fine art shop, and to print at home for the upcoming Mini Farmers Market in our neighborhood. And maybe also capture some Street Candy on the go.

As you might be aware, 2020 is a Presidential Election year here in the USA and you probably are also aware that the candidates of the two largest parties are quite ‘verbal’ in addressing each other. So are their respective supporters.

How It Was Made

Strolling downtown I noticed a group of pro-Biden supporters who were protesting against his opponent: current President Trump. They were waving some signs, some were dressed up, and they were trying to get the attention of passers-by. All very friendly and not aggressive.

I took one or two shots on the go of this group and walked on, to my main subjects of the day: some old buildings in Greenville’s West End and Fluor Field. The latter is a minor league baseball field and home to the Greenville Drive, a feeder club for the Boston Red Sox.

Walking back to my car, I had to pass the demonstrators again. And as it happened, a small caravan of pickup trucks and other cars drove by displaying large US flags and pro-Trump flags. This cavalcade continued to drive on Main Street, through the group of pro-Biden supporters who were standing on the sidewalks to the left and right.

I raised my camera and quickly shot a couple of frames of this sight.

To me, this was just great!

Of course, both groups were shouting at each other and the people in the cars were honking the horns, but it was enthusiasm everyone displayed. Not anger, not being mean, but using their freedom of speech to try and get their message across.

The cars drove on to wherever they were going next, and the group on the street continued their demonstration for their cause.

And is this not how it always should be? Enthusiasm, but not anger. Passion, but no violence.

Why It Works

This is the image of the set I like best and it works for me first and mostly because it shows what it shows: the passion and the non-violent demonstrations.

Then, of course, there is the juxtaposition of the pro-Trump and anti-Trump supporters. The story of this year’s election captured in one frame.

And then there are some small details in the picture that add a bit extra. The ‘One Way’ street sign, for example. Is this a sign of what is happening elsewhere in the country, where opposing groups are less peaceful? The face masks. A sign of our times, or are they going to stay?

The more I look, the more I discover.