It has been acknowledged that changes are mainly driven by young and bold individuals and groups who inspire and encourage the masses to act. Therefore, when considering social and political movements, people often think of leaders who are young adults or adults. However, children have also been an influential force in social transformations, playing diverse roles in the process (Morrow, 2020). These days, public opinion and activism play an important part in shaping societies and making them more democratic (Lysaker, 2019). The involvement of the youngest members of society starts with reading their first picture books where they can be exposed to quite complex concepts and issues in the stories told in simple words. Children become acquainted with the essence of activism and develop appropriate attitudes towards social and political movements (Dahlen, 2020). Picture the Dream was an unconventional exhibition of children’s picture books related to the topic of the Civil Rights Movement and was held in the High Museum of Art (Atlanta, GA). This paper includes an analysis of this exhibition in terms of the role of media, the project’s influence on youth activism, and political change.
Exhibition Information
Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Children’s Books was on view from August 15 till November 8, 2020 (High Museum of Art, 2020). Children’s books related to social activism and the Civil Rights Movement were showcased, and the guest curator was a renowned writer Andrea Davis Pinkney. The authors’ four books that are bestsellers among children’s literature are included in the exhibition. Also, Andrea “loaned her creative voice to the exhibition labels and text” to guide visitors through the galleries, similar to the way “a narrator guides readers through a story” (High Museum of Art, 2020, para. 11). The displayed pieces were pictures from children’s picture books with detailed descriptions of the associated events, people, and movements (HighMuseum, 2020b). The exhibition was divided into three parts to help viewers to follow the social movement, its background, and its impact on the modern world. The books by Barbara Jordan, Doreen Rappaport, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Barry Wittenstein, Angela Johnson, and other authors became the items on display.
The first section of the exposition was entitled “A Backward Path” and dealt with the causes of the Civil Rights Movement. The stories of people who lived in a segregated country were central to the first segment (HighMuseum, 2020b). The developers of the project emphasize that different aspects of activists’ life are highlighted, with significant attention paid to family life. The producers wanted young visitors to see the difference between social settings in the segregated world and the personal environment. Young visitors can see that activists’ routine (and, more generally, the lives of people of color) was similar to the life of any other ethnic group and close to their own experiences.
The second section of the exhibition went under the title “The Rocks Are the Road” and concentrated on the stories of those who actually made the movement happen. Such figures as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. were depicted alongside dozens of other people who contributed to the movement. The focus was on young participants who took part in marches, started their own acts, or observed others to become activists or simply knowledgeable people in their future.
The final section of Picture the Dream was entitled “Today’s Journey, Tomorrow’s Promise” (HighMuseum, 2020b). This part of the display aims at showing viewers that a person at any age can start taking action as activism has no age or other limits. The fight and commitment of children and the youth are depicted as something common and natural but, at the same time, inspirational and thought-provoking.
The target audience of the exhibition is predominantly children and adolescents, but similarly to activism, all age groups could benefit from visiting it. The showcased items, pictures, and pages from children’s picture books were arranged in a way to help people develop an understanding of the American activism of the middle of the twentieth and twenty-first century. One of the peculiarities of Picture the Dream is the display of a short documentary, “Picture the Dream” (HighMuseum, 2020a). The film provides multiple insights regarding the ideas and meanings behind the exhibition, as well as the essence and specifics of the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on the further progress of the USA.
Another characteristic feature of the exhibition is a very special atmosphere where children and adolescents are guided through the sections and stages of the sociopolitical movement. At the same time, they are in charge as well because they ask questions, express their feelings, share their views, shaping every experience in diverse ways (HighMuseum, 2020a). Adult visitors’ perspective is also transformed significantly by the proximity of young activists and potential participants of important movements in the future.
Goals and Ideas
In order to analyze the effectiveness of a project, it is necessary to examine whether it attained the established goals. Picture the Dream attempted to “delve into the events, people, and themes of the civil rights movement through the children’s picture book” (HighMuseum, 2020b). The developers of the project wanted to show people, and especially children, that picture books, being a specific form of art, were potent instruments of storytelling and social transformations. On the one hand, the displayed picture books provide information about the past. On the other hand, they inspire young learners to be active agents of change in the future and in the present. It is possible to consider the effectiveness of the exhibition in terms of its consistency with the goals and the ways the producers utilized the exhibited items to convey their message.
Strengths of the Exhibition
Activism, Education, and Art
One of the most remarkable aspects of the exhibition Picture the Dream is its being a hub connecting education, art, and activism. Literacy is one of the major goals of the educational system of any country, including the USA. Potter (2012) provides several definitions and aspects of the notion starting with the most ancient perspective that saw literacy as humans’ ability to read and write. Modern people add more meaning to this word believing that literate individuals are those who have the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful in society (Potter, 2012). The research adds that societies consisting of truly literate and creative people are successful. The American educational domain is mainly based on print literacy, in other words, teaching students how to read and write, although using technology and different media is becoming a part of the system (Potter, 2012). The exhibition in question also focuses on print media, picture books, contributing to the effort of the existing educational settings.
The exhibition can be seen as an effective supplementary source of knowledge, experience, and inspiration for children and adolescents. Field trips to this venue could help K-12 educators to address diverse academic goals. These benefits are not confined to addressing topics related to social sciences. Preschoolers and high-school students can unveil specific aspects of their own lives and the world around them. People of different backgrounds (irrespective of their age and socioeconomic status) would gain important insights into the historical contexts and the ways print media affect children. The books on display are commonly used in classrooms and can be recognized by visitors. These items can also be similar to other resources seen by children and adolescents. In both cases, the effect of the experience will be enhanced as viewers’ previous experiences will be contextualized.
As far as the artistic component of the exhibition is concerned, children are exposed to a specific form of art that can facilitate the development of their creativity. Banaji (2017) emphasizes that people’s creativity is the necessary premise for the sustainable development of societies and these social entities becoming successful. People with low creative ability and activity can hardly achieve high results and contribute to the progress of their country or even community. Picture books are the means of sparkling children’s and adolescents’ minds and making them eager to explore their creativity (HighMuseum, 2020b). Children are told and shown stories that can encourage them to create their own tales and realities.
Clearly, activism is the central concept of the present exhibition. Picture the Dream makes young generations aware of important historical events and their relevance for modernity. The displayed items are presented in a specific order to help young visitors to form knowledge about an important social movement. The viewers are also encouraged to tie this experience to their own lives and the role they can play in contemporary society. Importantly, the primary features of activism are displayed, and future activists can learn how to stand up against the wrongs in society using appropriate (peaceful) methods and narratives. Young children can see violence in the streets, and they should also understand what ways are proper and effective. The exhibition in question unveils available patterns for people who can become change agents in the nearest future.
Picture the Dream Gives Voice
Although children have always played many roles in various social and political movements, their voices have often been muted or unheard. Adults’ views on the contribution of children changed during the past decades (Morrow, 2020). Children were regarded as passive stakeholders at the beginning of the twentieth century, but they became active speakers in the 1960s. This population’s activism has become an influential force due to the availability of technology at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
On the one hand, children and youth draw people’s attention to their problems and ideas through diverse channels, especially via social media. On the other hand, many young people are still reluctant or unprepared to share their views or express their concerns. For instance, the case of Gretta Thunberg illustrates the way adolescents can shape the media agenda (Jung et al., 2020). The teenage environmental activist spoke to world leaders from the UN’s tribune and made loads of public appearances. She addressed world leaders, and her appeal was supported by adults who offered a larger platform for delivering her message. The girl inspired many to become active actors of change even at a young age.
At the same time, many young people, especially representatives of minorities, are still unprepared to articulate their needs. Young girls find it difficult to express their ideas openly through different means, even in the educational setting that is safe for such discussions (Dahya, 2017). This kind of distrust and fear to speak up is often determined by the environment and cultural norms that are instilled through familial influences and school. Therefore, showing the target audience the ways their peers have voiced their needs and communicated their messages can help young readers and listeners to be more confident and active.
In this respect, picture books can play multiple roles in promoting social activism and empowerment of the cohort in question. For example, telling stories about children’s activism will make young minds accustomed to the idea that all wrongs in society can and should be eliminated by individuals of different ages and backgrounds (HighMuseum, 2020a). Children learn about the world from these books, so it is but natural that they trust these sources and find them relevant. Picture books are a part of children’s life affecting the way they develop their worldview. Some adults may state that the depiction of race-related topics and activism in such books is age-inappropriate or even controversial.
However, children will have to face diverse aspects of social life at school and in their adulthood, so it is better to equip them with knowledge and skills to address these issues. Instead of silencing some troubles, it can be more effective to tell children about these topics in simple words with the focus on the positive aspects and ways to handle issues. Otherwise, schools will be crowded with adolescents who are afraid of expressing the problems they find serious, keeping these issues to be unresolved and turned into psychological and other concerns in their future. Dahya (2017) noted that it took almost a year for two teenage females to create a media project on the issue that truly mattered to them. That was a long way to feeling empowered and prepared for a more active position in the community.
One of the important contributions of the exhibition in question is its emphasis on the relevance of children’s books and their potential effect on younger generations. As mentioned above, Picture the Dream mainly targets children and the youth, but adults should also visit such events in order to look at child development and education from a different perspective. Parents and older generations tend to see children’s books as some sources of abstract knowledge about the world and some values to be shared (Dahlen, 2020). Social activism is hardly associated with such literature, and it may even seem inappropriate for many adults. However, the exhibition shows that social activism is an indispensable part of American life. The developers of the project also claim that it should be included in the youth’s picture of the world, which can be made through reading children’s books.
The Choice of the Books
The exhibition aimed at linking children’s literature and activism, so the choice of the displayed items was one of the central aspects to consider. The effectiveness of the selection may be analyzed in terms of the content (stories) and the form (visual elements). Dahlen (2020) stresses that children’s literature still lacks diversity, and many topics are excluded from the discourse of children’s picture books. Nevertheless, some remarkable examples linking this kind of literature and activism are available, and these items were chosen by the developers of the exhibition in question. Some of the included books were A Place to Land by Barry Wittenstein (illustrated by Jerry Pinkney), A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson (illustrated by Eric Velazquez), Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack (illustrations by Jerry Pinkney). Such books as Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport (illustrated by Brian Collier) and What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton (illustrations by Ekua Holmes) were specifically valuable for conveying the primary message.
The books were chosen to show different aspects of the life of the USA in the middle of the twentieth century and these days. The focus was on diverse spheres of people’s lives, including family life, careers, activism, and so on. The vast majority of the books were told in terms of a child’s perspective as if the story is told by a child. For instance, Goin’ Someplace Special and A Sweet Smell of Roses, as well as The Story of Ruby Bridges by George Ford, can resonate with many children’s own experiences. Young visitors can actually see what was other children’s lives in different social contexts and how they behaved.
Importantly, the family life of people of color is shown, which makes the books (and the exhibition) seem true to life rather than a set of hypothetical situations or distant historical events. The show includes influential books that are often utilized by educators in their classrooms to shed light on diversity and culture, as well as important historical events that shaped the development of American society (HighMuseum, 2020b). The showcase also suggests these books as sources to explain the essence of the Civil Rights Movement and, more generally, activism. The way modern children and youth take part in social movements is displayed through picture books as well. This topic is specifically relevant these days when the target cohort witness diverse social reactions to certain events or trends emerging in their country. Younger generations should understand the background behind those reactions and may even develop their own perspectives regarding their roles in such movements.
As far as the visual component of the chosen literature is concerned, the books have a considerable artistic value and impact on this population’s perception. It has been acknowledged that color plays an important role in human cognition, and bright colors are seen as a preferred mode for children’s books (Jiang & Zhao, 2018). Children also prefer pictures full of color that may be realistic and more abstract depending on the age of readers. Strouse et al. (2018) note that young readers and listeners perceive realistic pictures depicted in children’s books as a part of the real world rather than a symbolic representation of some ideas. This realism, especially at an early age, can help kids understand that the stories told actually happened and are happening.
The exhibition included picture books that contained different types of illustrations, which is beneficial for the showcase as it makes the audience wide. For example, illustrations by Jerry Pinkney in Goin’ Someplace Special are bright but rather realistic, and new readers can easily perceive the story as a real event from their life or the life of people they know personally. The youngest visitors can associate themselves with the main character of the story.
In terms of color, one of the books displayed is specifically influential and instrumental in achieving established goals. A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velazquez, contains realistic pictures, but those are sketches with only one element colored in red. The highlighted elements are a red ribbon of the girl’s teddy bear, red stripes of the American flag, and roses outside the girls’ house. This artistic choice makes children see the event as a memory as black-and-white pictures are often associated with past events. However, the red elements draw readers’ attention and stimulate their mental activity. At the end of the book, the highlighted elements are roses that symbolize young and beautiful souls that can and will be active agents of change. Children are enticed to become the actors who are prepared and willing to stand out against the grey background of inequality or injustice.
Therefore, the choice of the used books is wise and beneficial for achieving the set objectives. The displayed books tell the stories that are consistent with the major goal, which is to inform about the causes for the Civil Rights Movement, those who made it happen, and the ways in which young visitors can become active and empowered. The employed books’ design also serves the same purpose and is instrumental in drawing viewers’ attention to the most relevant points and aspects.
Books as the Media
The media is central to shaping people’s mindsets and affecting their behavior. Diverse media create the social reality “through language, communication and imagery” (McRobbie & Thornton, 1995). For adults, media can be represented by television, magazines, the Internet, and other channels. For the target audience, the media include television, the Internet, and children’s literature. Colorful pictures, short texts, and discussions with adults make picture books instrumental in helping the cohort in question to understand quite complex concepts and ideas. Children’s books become potent media that create the social reality for young generations.
It is noteworthy that these media reflect and address the needs of their target audiences. Diverse books and magazines are available for different social groups, including mainstream, ethnic minorities, LGBT people, and so on (McRobbie & Thornton, 1995). Picture books are designed for children and speak to this population. Picture books serve multiple purposes as they tell stories, create social realities. These media also “sparkle” young generations’ creativity who explore different ways to express themselves and integrate into society (HighMuseum, 2020a). Therefore, it is possible to assume that the media chosen for the showcase is an influential instrument of transformation.
The relevance of picture books as a part of children’s development has been acknowledged, so these media are utilized extensively in educational settings and at home. Digital products for children are often based on the themes and images taken from picture books. Moreover, picture books are digitalized and become a part of games that also affect young learners’ views and behaviors (Willett, 2015). The launch of the project based on the display of picture books with commentaries regarding their essence, meanings, and social value is one of the ways to use the media in question. Picture the Dream is the exhibition aiming at the display of the role children can and do play in contemporary society, as well as the ways picture books can be a part of this complex process.
The exhibition reaches its goals regarding the discussion of the importance of picture books in shaping children’s social realities. Children are not explicitly told about diverse ways these media can have an impact on them. This target audience focuses on the stories told rather than the means used to convey messages. However, adult visitors can see that picture books guide children during their path from understanding the causes of the social movement in question to acknowledging people’s actual moves and reflection on what they can do. It is important to make sure that adults also understood the importance of reading picture books to their young learners, choosing the stories that can help their children become a part of society.
Some people are doubtful as to the power of picture books seeing them as objects and activities that entertain or serve specific academic purposes (such as the development of literacy skills). Papola-Ellis (2016) states that even future educators are quite resistant to the use of picture books for discussing social aspects. The exhibition shows that picture books can be an appropriate means of articulating ideas.
Children’s books facilitate children’s learning about this world due to their design. Young learners from their youngest age receive stimuli that build their understanding of the world. Learning about other worlds can occur in different ways and with the use of different media, including television, digital worlds, and books (Willett, 2015). Notably, books have been the source of knowledge and imaginative power for decades and even centuries.
Picture books are associated with the impact on visual and audial stimuli affecting children’s learning. Colorful illustrations can be memorable and can create associations that will be the background for the further progress of children. Wei and Ma (2020) emphasize that multicolored pictures and small texts are preferred sources of knowledge for children and their parents. The latter choose books based on numerous visual components they find attractive to their young readers and listeners.
Weaknesses
Use of Technology
Although the exhibition’s goals are reached, and it can be regarded as a valuable experience for a wide audience, it still has certain weaknesses. The focus of the showcase is on picture books and print media, but the modern educational environment is becoming more technology-driven. American children are exposed to different means and modes of storytelling. In addition to print books, children and adolescents learn from audiobooks, digital books, sources with augmented reality, films, digital games, and simulations (Wei & Ma, 2020). The vast majority of younger generations are exposed to these means in the educational environment, in their homes, or in other settings.
Each of these media has its advantages and certain shortcomings. For instance, pop-up books offer their readers a considerable degree of interaction (Wei & Ma, 2020). Visual and tactile perceptions are combined and enable children, especially younger users, to be more engaged in the exploration process. Audiobooks and digital books also appeal to several sensory perceptions (audial and visual). These sources are highly interactive and can enhance readers’ and listeners’ creativity in many ways. Films are a specific form of storytelling that has a strong impact on individuals’ learning.
The exhibition is mainly built on visual perceptions, with only the limited use of technology. The documentary is the only item that engages readers through audial and visual perceptions. The inclusion of audiobooks and other types of picture books mentioned above could intensify the exploratory effect of the showcase. Visitors’ awareness of different means of expression could be raised. Diversity and inclusion, which are important concepts in the educational environment, could be addressed as well. People would see the array of available resources regarding the Civil Rights Movement, activism, and various aspects of children’s’ life.
Co-Creation and Interactivity
Another weakness of the exhibition or rather area to be improved in the future is the lack of interactivity. Children often need a hands-on approach to gain knowledge and skills as they want and need to explore the world using all available means. Of course, visitors have an opportunity to interact with the displayed items co-creating their own meanings and stories. Nevertheless, the developers of the project should have been more creative in terms of using technology and ensuring interactivity.
In addition to the documentary, young visitors could be invited to participate in the creation of the stories. Taking pictures or making short videos could become the most available form of interaction. Dahya (2017) states that the production of digital media enables students to voice their concerns and become active agents in shaping society. The visitors could feel that their voices were valued, awaited, and appreciated, which could encourage them to be more engaged in activism in the future. Young people’s activism could start within the scope of the exhibition that could be a training site for many.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to note that the exhibition Picture the Dream reached the set objectives and contributed to educating young generations, facilitating the exploration of their creativity and their activism. The project under consideration linked art, education, and activism, focusing on the Civil Rights Movement, its causes and effects on the modern USA. The showcased pictures from children’s books are arranged so that young visitors could examine these aspects and draw parallels between the movement and their lives. Although some may find the discussion of such topics inappropriate, especially with younger readers, the demonstrated picture books show that the analysis of such facets of social life is important. Modern children are exposed to diverse events that can be frightening if people have no understanding of the premises and peculiarities of these happenings. The exhibition serves as one of the domains for learning where children receive the necessary skills to integrate into society successfully.
At the same time, the exhibition also plays a motivational role. Children and adolescents can see that their peers have been active in shaping the world around them. The told stories suggest that a person can make a difference at any age. Young visitors can see that their concerns are worth being heard by their peers and adults. Feeling empowered at an early age can help people remain active throughout their adulthood and make efforts to improve society. One of the ways to start the necessary shifts, as suggested by the exhibition, is art and education, so children are shown these paths. They are encouraged to explore their own creativity by viewing and discussing the stories related to the Civil Rights Movement and activism.
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