Washington Crossing the Delaware

(America, 1776)
Archetypical Image

Historical figure George Washington, having left his slaves at his beloved Mount Vernon plantation, crosses a river in an heroic attempt to secure property rights for the White gentry.

Thomas Jefferson Writing at his Desk

(America, 1776)
Archetypical Image

Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, conflicted about human slavery, is served by a boy who is both his son and his property. He famously writes, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Andrew Jackson Sits for a Portrait

(America, 1835)
Archetypical Image

President Andrew Jackson, self-proclaimed advocate of the aboriginal people, has his portrait painted. Further south, his army decimates the Seminole nation to remedy the problem of fugitive slaves finding sanctuary. During Jackson's career as soldier and politician, his slave holdings increased steadily, keeping his plantation healthy.

Woodrow Wilson in an Automobile

(America, 1916)
Archetypical Image

In this iconic photograph, President Wilson famously tours from Detroit to Dearborn with industrialist Henry Ford. Wilson comments, “If the colored people made a mistake in voting for me, they ought to correct it.” Jesse Washington of Waco, Texas, was prevented from taking that challenge due to lynch-mob related activity.

Richard M. Nixon, Bowling at the White House

(America, 1969)
Archetypical Image

President Nixon rolls a string on the newly renovated bowling alley in the basement of the White House. Meanwhile, in Chicago, federal agents and local authorities protect the United States by assassinating an unconscious Fred Hampton in his bed.

Ronald Reagan, Actor and Statesman

(America, 1985)
Archetypical Image

While Philadelphia Police murder eleven people at the MOVE! residence in West Philadelphia, Ronald Reagan relaxes in the White House theater and enjoys a screening of Bedtime for Bonzo, a film starring himself and a chimpanzee.

George Bush with Bullhorn at Ground Zero

(America, 2001)
Archetypical Image

George W. Bush leverages a horrific attack on New York City into a propaganda coup. Years later, while his attention was on clearing brush at his Texas ranch, residents of New Orleans enjoyed American citizenship at their own peril.

Barack Obama Sheds a Tear

(America, 2016)
Archetypical Image

President Barack Obama addresses the nation after another tragic gun-related death or set of deaths. The constitutional subtexts are silent.