The Tattooed Doctor
In this image presented in Inked magazine the photographer utilizes juxtapositioning to compare and contrast the same individual dressed in both in a medical uniform and then appear thug-like. The photographer also utilizes stereotyping and references common knowledge of how one becomes a doctor, and the notion of what a thug is. With the utilization of these literary devices within the text, the devices develop the theme of what is to be expected in the work force, specifically within the medical field. Along with these devices it argues that people should think in a more careful manner, rather than succumbing to prejudice based on one’s physical appearance.
With the use of juxtaposing the same individual dressed up as a medical practioner and of an unapproachable individual, the photographer allows one to compare and contrast the two images. In the image to the left the photographer has the individual dressed in a medical uniform, stethoscope wrapped around his neck, a white lab coat over his suit, and his arms crossed in an approachable professional manner. In the image to the right, the photographer has the same individual dressed in a haphazard manner. The photographer has the individual expose his bare arms, which are covered in tattoos, has the individual wear a red shirt with print on it, holding keys in the individuals right hand while clutching at his belt buckle in a threatening and unapproachable manner. The utilization of juxtaposing this specific image of the same individual helps with comparing and contrasting the subject manner. In the image to the left he is more approachable and seen in a better social light than the image presented to the right. The left image is seen more professional and more approachable than the image to the right. With the clever depiction of this image the photographer conveys the message of the importance and power of one’s appearance, which is done not only using appearance, but body language as well. The careful placement utilized by the photographer also conveys the power body language can help with prejudging one by their appearance as well as being able to bring forth the prejudice people can have simply by the way someone carries themselves and how they appear.
To further advance his theme of prejudice and prejudgment, the photographer utilizes the device of stereotyping. With the careful presentation of the individual to the left and to the right of the image, the photographer allows the viewer to traditionally stereotype one based on their appearance. The photographer specifically chooses the medical practioner as well as the same individual dressed as a threatening person. The image to the left helps one to stereotype in a specific way. In the image to the left it forces the viewer to think highly of someone who is in a highly respected position, and commonly not questioned about his authority. With the use of the medical practioner the photographer allows the viewer to think highly of this person, never challenging the individual, seemingly very approachable, respected for his profession in health care, and easily trusted based on the fact this individual’s profession brings him. In the image presented to the right, the photographer presents the same individual in an unapproachable manner as well as expresses the fear of the societal implications on the dangers possibly presented by someone dressed in a threatening manner. With the image presented to the right the photographer expresses the possible dangers one can bring solely on the basis on one’s appearance. The image to the right allows the viewer to think of the individual in a poor social light. The individual is seen and presented as a delinquent, a thug, possibly involved in crime, as well as juvenile. With the use of his hands clutching at his belt in a threating manner advances the appearance of an individual to avoid at all costs. With the body language and appearance of being covered in