Posing: Portraits of National Identity

By Claire Dederer

In her book "Posing: Portraits of National Identity," Claire Dederer explores the complex relationship between photography and national identity. Through a series of case studies, Dederer argues that photographs play a crucial role in shaping how we think about ourselves and our place in the world.

Photography and National Identity

Photography has been used to create and reinforce national identities since the medium's invention in the 19th century. Governments, businesses, and other organizations have used photographs to promote their own agendas and to shape public opinion. For example, during World War I, the United States government used photographs to demonize the enemy and to rally support for the war effort.

The Power of Images

Photographs have a powerful impact on our emotions and beliefs. They can make us feel proud, angry, or sad. They can make us believe things that are not true. This power makes photographs a valuable tool for those who want to shape public opinion.

Case Studies

Dederer's book includes a number of case studies that illustrate the role that photographs have played in shaping national identity. These case studies include:

• The use of photographs to promote tourism in the United States
• The use of photographs to document the civil rights movement
• The use of photographs to create a sense of national unity after the September 11th attacks

Conclusion

In "Posing," Claire Dederer argues that photographs play a crucial role in shaping how we think about ourselves and our place in the world. She provides a wealth of evidence to support her argument, and her book is a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between photography and national identity.

Why You Should Buy This Book

"Posing" is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about photography. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, photography, or national identity.

Here are a few reasons why you should buy this book:

• It is well-written and engaging. Dederer's writing is clear and concise, and she does a great job of weaving together history, photography, and personal anecdotes.
• It is full of beautiful photographs. The book includes over 100 photographs, many of which are rare and never-before-seen.
• It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the relationship between photography and national identity. Dederer's book is a comprehensive and well-researched study of this important topic.

If you are interested in learning more about the role that photographs have played in shaping national identity, then I highly recommend that you buy "Posing." It is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about photography.