Sabrina Mena
Ms. Killebrew
Literacy Narrative
11 September 2018
For years African Americans have fought a grueling battle for equality in the United
States. My first day of college on August 27, 2018, I was introduced to the Norman Rockwell’s
painting, “The Problem We All Live With” in class, which to me is a clear representation of the
struggle for equality in this country. Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live
with” depicts a young African American girl by the name of Ruby Bridges on her way to school,
where she is escorted by men because of the harassment she was facing for going to an all whites
school. Along with this painting I was also introduced to the political cartoon of Education
Secretary Betsy Devos in which she was also being escorted by men because of the harassment
she is facing through the education system. Almost immediately I found myself comparing both
of these images because of their similarities and by doing this I realized the mentalities of people
in our society today, are still similar to those of the time in which Ruby Bridges was facing
harassment for going to school.
When looking at the images individually and analyzing Norman Rockwell’s painting I found
that the purpose of it was to inform us and to depict the importance that moment symbolized to
the African American struggle for racial equality. The image evokes a feeling of disappointment
in the way those around are treating this little girl just for going to school. It also brought up an
unsettling feeling because it made me realize that sometimes society puts an unjust and
unreasonable limitation on those who do not deserve it. The image at the moment simulated a
feeling a relief and content because times have progressed and I, for example, am able to go to a
school like City College which is abundantly filled with people of different races and
backgrounds. The feeling this image evokes the most when first looking at it is a sense of
accomplishment for what this young girl did despite all of the harassment she faced.
After looking at Rockwell’s painting, I began analyzing the political cartoon of Betsy Devos
by Glenn McCoy and found that the purpose of this cartoon was to persuade others that the
struggles this woman is facing can be compared to the struggles Ruby Bridges faced when
battling racial inequality. When looking at this image I also noticed that it could have intended to
persuade people into realizing how unqualified she might be in trying to take on the role of
secretary of education, and also demonstrate the way in which she is being treated for trying to
do her job. This political cartoon might have been directed to conservatives or white Americans
who want to be victimized or who can be related to being treated similarly for being wealthy and
in power. When realizing that people might be comparing Betsy DeVos’s struggles to those of
Ruby Bridges I realized that people’s mindsets in society today have not progressed as much as I
thought they had. One can not compare the consequential struggles Ruby Bridges faced to those
this woman is facing for trying to take on this role of head of the education system.
Works Cited
“ The Problem We All Live With”, By Norman Rockwell
“ Political Cartoon Of Education Secretary Betsy Devos” By Glenn McCoy
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