Doing Democracy

This image depicts an 18 year old boy at work in the coal mines of Islam, Kentucky. Without much background information, I first look at this image and see exhaustion. It is clear that he has been working with the coal stains on his face and his clothes, in addition to his facial expression which may be seen as tired from viewers. What some viewers may not see is this idea of determination. Although he seems drained, I can interpret this boy’s physical appearance and understand that he has a sense of focus and determined work ethic in his eyes. I am referring to him as a boy because, even though this image focuses solely on Ray Martin, it also indirectly refers all the other young male workers that have put an ample amount effort to work in these coal mines, for whatever good they are trying to get for themselves and others.

With a little background information, These young men are risking their lives everyday they go into these mines. The significance of this image is that it speaks for risk that these young men are taking physically to provide for the world’s diminishing coal necessity. Our world today requires an enormous amount of coal for electricity and heat. The role that these young me play should not be undermined and artist John Dominis advocates for this crucial representation.