60 Years Later, Still So Much Hate
by levyj413

Comment by Bruce_the_Robert:
I didn't vote this challenge, either, but I saw this image in a quick run through. I am fairly heavy hearted about its reception, including some of the technical comments, where viewers failed to even start to think about the message. My reaction was, well, profound is probably the best word; it makes me sad to think about the continued irrationality that prevails in the world today, and its respected place in our varied societies. This could happen again. I think the image, as is, is quite strong. I think the lighting works well, and the lack of anything that is clearly a "real" person (no face, no hands, just clothes, as Don said) added to the effect for me. I'm astounded at the score (but then I picked 0 of 10 of the top 10 in the challenge I did vote, painting with light).

60 Years Later, Still So Much Hate
by levyj413

Comment by jaysonmc:
Good concept. A little hard to grasp "why" for me, but I get emotional power of the shot. Just a bit overprocessed maybe (yellow too bright...), but still a well composed shot. Still like the concept!

Double Dipping
by levyj413

Comment by jaysonmc:
Like the idea and a terrific frozen moment. Terrific color pop!

60 Years Later, Still So Much Hate
by levyj413

Comment by purpleflutterby13:
Very good concept.

As for the emotional reaction - I'm afraid I'm either too young or too ignorant (or both). I spent about a minute staring at the photo not understanding what the shiny star had to do with the title. Then I read your description. Now that it's sinking in, I'm starting to get there.

The concept works very well. The processing, the crop and the relatively simple colours and shapes all work well together to illustrate dehumanisation, which I guess would be the necessary starting point of all hate crimes ever committed.

With this kind of simple, iconic imagery, it's necessary for it to be very recognisable in order to get the emotional reaction. Somehow, thinking about it at length before you get it takes away from it, because it's targeted to have immediate impact. So I'm guessing it would hit some people, but not others.

Another element of that would be how strongly the viewer agrees with the message. Personally I'd be more hit, for example, by an image about violence against women, or homophobia, or Amnesty style human rights stuff. I guess it's just not in my head that anti-semitism is a major problem at the moment, or not any more so than other hate crimes. But then again, I'm not Jewish.

Anyway, so I think the picture is well executed, but that it would only have a strong emotional impact on a select audience. However, it's all good as long as you captured the message you wanted to capture.

60 Years Later, Still So Much Hate
by levyj413

Comment by fotomann_forever:
The bad part about giving up ion voting is that I miss stuff like this. I think it's a good concept. I'm not sure aboutthe lighting, but I really don't know what I'd change about it.

60 Years Later, Still So Much Hate
by levyj413

Comment by posthumous:
sorry I skipped the Why challenge, or I surely would have commented. I notice the subject is gone into darkness. As far as we know, he is only his clothing. the spotlight on the star is less subtle than I like, as you might have guessed, but I do like the use of icons.

60 Years Later, Still So Much Hate
by levyj413

Comment by Wildcard:
I love the idea and thanks for the explanation in your comments. The only distraction for me is the yellow background, if it was a dirtier yellow like the star it might work but it looks too cheerful. I like the darkness of the shot and would have liked to see that in the background as well. Even cropping it to the shoulder line might work. But a really good emotive image. Just my 2 cents.

Split Decision
by levyj413

Comment by JerseyGenie:
Hmmmm, you were right I did recognize this one. My vote ... keep the beard!

Split Decision
by levyj413

Comment by Saswaa:
Good idea. 7

Split Decision
by levyj413

Comment by KarenNfld:
Don't tell me you shaved just for this challenge???!!!!?? Great work with the flashes/multiple exposures, I have no idea how to do that.