1954/05/17 - Washington DC The United States Supreme Court hands down a unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.
The problem we all live with
 |
Norman Rockwell; The problem we all live with; oil/canvas; 147.5 x 91.5 cm; private collection |
The Painting depicts Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African-American girl, on her way in to an all-white public school in New Orleans on November 14, 1960 during the process of racial desegregation. Because of threats and violence against her, she is escorted by four U.S. Deputy Marshals; the painting is framed such that the marshals' heads are cropped at the shoulders.
 |
Norman Rockwell; Photographs for The Problem We All Live With; 1963; Norman Rockwell Museum |
On the wall behind her is written the racial slur "nigger" and the letters "KKK"; a smashed tomato thrown at Bridges is also visible. The white crowd is not visible, as the viewer is looking at the scene from their point of view. The painting was originally published as a centerfold in the January 14, 1964 issue of Look.
