How did Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams address Japanese Americans detained in relocation centers during World War II?

Answer 1

Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams played essential roles in documenting the lives of Japanese Americans detained in relocation centers during World War II, shedding light on the injustices and hardships they faced. Although their approaches differed, both photographers aimed to capture the truth and convey the humanity of the people affected.

Dorothea Lange, renowned for her iconic photographs during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years, was hired by the U.S. government's War Relocation Authority (WRA) in 1942. Her assignment was to document the conditions and daily life in the relocation centers, particularly focusing on the forced removal and internment of Japanese Americans. Lange traveled to several centers, including Manzanar and Tule Lake, among others. Her images captured the despair, resilience, and dignity of the detainees, highlighting the government's unwarranted treatment. Lange sought to document the reality of the internment and raise public awareness about this violation of civil rights.

On the other hand, Ansel Adams, renowned for his stunning landscape photography, had a slightly different approach. In 1943, Adams received a similar assignment from the WRA to photograph life inside the Manzanar War Relocation Center in California. Adams, usually known for his scenic views, approached the project as a way to portray the detainees' experience in a more positive and dignified light. He aimed to emphasize their strength and resilience, humanizing them and combating the prevailing negative portrayals in American media.

While Lange's images often captured the hardships faced by those detained, Adams' photographs, though not devoid of difficult conditions, tended to showcase more uplifting aspects of daily life, including moments of community, cultural expression, and children's activities. Both photographers recognized the significance of their work in providing evidence and testimonies of a troubled time in American history.

The photos taken by Lange and Adams were instrumental in showcasing the government's unjust actions and helped shape public opinion regarding Japanese American internment. Today, their images serve as poignant reminders of the importance of safeguarding civil liberties and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.