Gordon Parks Struggle Against Poverty In Flavio's Home

For years, the world has been in a standoff against poverty, its reach has touched thousands and thousands across countries. Gordon Parks, a well-known photographer for the Life and Vogue Magazines, wrote an essay revolving exclusively around this “most savage of all human afflictions.” Throughout the years, Parks has become known as an advocate against poverty after his most famous essay, Flavio’s Home. In Flavio’s Home, Parks explores the slums on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro on assignment in the 1960s. While photographing the Favelas, Parks meets Flavio, a sickly 12-year-old, who later explains he lives as one of the many families in the Favelas. In his heart-wrenching, guilt-bringing essay for Life and Vogue Readers, Gordon Parks establishes his argument that

Having first come across Flavio on his assignment, Parks describes how he was “miserably thin, naked but for filthy denim shorts.” Because Parks deliberately utilizes the words “miserably” and “filthy” to help his audience visualize the horrible conditions in which Flavio lives. Not only does this bring light to Flavio and his family, but to all those living in the Favelas. Flavio’s lack of clothes in the illustration is a sign of poverty as well. After knocking on the da Silvas' door, Parks writes, “the boy stood smiling with a bawling naked baby in his arms.” Parks not only illustrates Flavios’ ragged appearance but also his character. Since Flavio has an unmatched optimism in a world of pain and spite, Parks can form a deep connection. Flavio also is seen taking care of his younger siblings, a responsibility rarely given to a 12-year-old. Parks writes Flavio with a heart of gold seen throughout the entire essay. Gordon Parks' illustration opens a previously closed door, on the subject of poverty, leaving room for him to dig deeper into the daily trials and tribulations that are exposed to