California is unparalleled to any other place in the world. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and acceptance of all individuals, California continues to represent the core ideals and morals of our nation. The photographs presented to us in class capture and articulate all these ideologies. They gave us the factors of what can be referred to as the “essence of California.” However, the overall beauty of this state cannot be characterized into one set of adjectives, or be projected in a couple of photographs. But, the presentation did give us an understanding of the paradoxical aspect of the state. The photographs displayed how the essence of California relies on its structure and the individuals that are part of this structure. This …show more content…
The photographer who took the picture of the immigrants, as they seem to complete their journey captures this essence. It depicts a group of men and children sitting as the sun is setting in the horizon. It sends the message of how relieved they must feel because they are about to enter a state that will forever change their lives. They must have come from nothing and were willing to take a treacherous journey because they knew that the opportunities that awaited them were worth every step of their journey. This simple photograph sends such a powerful message regarding the individuals who make up this great state. They are all here for the purpose of finding a structure in their life and using what California has to offer in order to support themselves, and those who they. Furthermore, what really set apart this picture was the joy of the one individual sitting in the rock, looking right into the camera. The photographer’s ability to capture this moment is what truly sends the sentiments that are conveyed above. It undermines all the rhetoric regarding illegal immigrants and simply tells the viewer what it means to be a part of California. It illuminates how individuals such as these immigrants make up the essence of