Book Review Summary: Gordon Parks: Segregation Story

Introduction

"Gordon Parks: Segregation Story" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that delves into the everyday life of an African American family living under Jim Crow segregation in the rural South. Written by the groundbreaking American photographer Gordon Parks, this book showcases his iconic photo-essay published in "Life" magazine in September 1956. The discovery of more than 70 color transparencies in 2011, which were previously thought to be lost, provides readers with a glimpse into the untold story of segregation and its impact on the African American community. This article will analyze the views of readers, discuss the reasons for recommendation, and provide a conclusion on the significance of this book.

About Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks was a multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to various fields, including photography, filmmaking, literature, and music. He was a pioneer in his profession, breaking barriers as the first African American to work at Life magazine and the first to write, direct, and score a Hollywood film. Parks' activism for civil rights and his commitment to social justice made him a prominent figure in American history. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists alike.

Analysis of Views

1. Powerful Images: Readers found the photographs in this book to be very powerful and moving. The images captured by Parks depict the everyday life of an African American family living under segregation, evoking strong emotions and sparking conversations about racism and segregation.
2. Light on Segregation in the South: The book sheds light on the harsh realities of segregation in the rural South during the 1950s. Readers appreciated the way Parks documented the subtle and overt forms of segregation, such as "coloreds only" signs and mannequins modeling clothing for white customers.
3. Unforgettable Pictures: The photographs in this book are described as unforgettable and evocative. They capture the essence of segregation and its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. The images serve as a reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans during that time and continue to resonate with readers today.
4. Background Essays: The background essays written by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Maurice Berger, Michael Shapiro, and Peter Kunhardt Jr. provide valuable insights into the photographer's background and the unintended consequences of the LIFE magazine publication. Readers found these essays to be engaging and informative, adding depth to their understanding of the photographs and their historical significance.
5. Transcending Time: Although embedded in a specific time period, the photographs in this book transcend time. They serve as a reminder that segregation and discrimination continue to exist in various forms even today. The book prompts readers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives on race and social justice.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Historical Importance: Readers recommend this book for its historical significance as a record of segregation in America during the 1950s. It provides a visual representation of the challenges faced by African Americans during that time and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
2. Powerful Storytelling: The photographs in this book tell powerful stories of individuals living under segregation. They capture the resilience, courage, and humanity of those affected by discrimination, making it a compelling read for those interested in social justice and human rights.
3. Educational Value: The background essays included in this book offer valuable insights into the photographer's background and the historical context of the images. They provide readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by African Americans during that time and offer a broader perspective on race relations in America.
4. Timeless Relevance: Despite being set in a specific time period, the photographs in this book remain relevant today. They serve as a reminder that discrimination continues to exist in various forms and highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Limited Reading Content: Some readers found that there wasn't much reading content in this book compared to other photography books. While the photographs are stunning, they may prefer more extensive textual analysis or contextual information to fully appreciate the images.
2. No Atlanta Airport Series Images: A few readers were disappointed that there were no images from Parks' Atlanta Airport series included in this book. They were hoping to see more of his work from that series, which is featured on the cover of the book. However, it is important to note that this book focuses primarily on Parks' "Segregation Series" and may not include all of his works from that time period.

Conclusion

"Gordon Parks: Segregation Story" is a powerful book that showcases Gordon Parks' iconic photo-essay on segregation in America during the 1950s. Through his stunning photographs, Parks captured the everyday life of an African American family living under Jim Crow segregation, providing readers with a visual representation of the challenges faced by African Americans during that time. The background essays written by various authors add depth to readers' understanding of the photographs and their historical significance. While some readers found limited reading content or were disappointed by the absence of certain images, overall, this book is recommended for those interested in social justice, photography, and history. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice and highlights the power of photography as a tool for social change.