The Problem We All Must Live With Ruby

Nothing you have learned matters. Nothing that you do or try to accomplish matters. That is exactly what people told Ruby Bridges, from the moment it was announced that she would be attending the (previously) all-white elementary school, William Frantz Elementary School. The image of Ruby walking into her new school escorted by four U.S. marshals, inspired the talented Norman Rockwell to create the influential painting ‘The Problem We All Must Live With’. This piece of artwork shows the depth and seriousness of the situation that 6 year-old Ruby was in. Mr.Rockwell is known for his work resembling the American life but in this particular piece he showed the truth of America. In the 1960’s social realism art was not very popular, this was also
Ruby being a naive 6 year-old believed that the angry mob of people that were being barricaded by the police were there to celebrate her newest accomplishment. Throughout her entire year at her new school people constantly threatened her. One lady waiting for her at the school showcasing a small black doll in a coffin. In the painting you can see a tomato thrown against the wall. The point of impact the tomato made on the wall is roughly the same height of Ruby’s head. One woman caused Ruby to starve herself due to the woman’s threats on poisoning her. Despite the vast efforts to reduce the amount of hatred toward Ruby and solve the point at issue. It was only toward the end of the year that Ruby’s life even began to settle down. Considering the fact the Ruby was looking forward in the painting we only see a profile of her face, nevertheless on the part of her face we can see she doesn’t look scared or anxious, she in fact looks intrigued by what this new opportunity is going to bring her. Unlike the Mona Lisa or Starry Night that are displayed in notorious museums, The Problem We All Live has been a resident in the White House in the summer of 2011 and is now a resident in the Norman Rockwell Museum. ‘The Problem We All Live With’ has made it’s way all over this country, quieting controversies and silencing doubters. The gravity that this painting holds in American culture is phenomenal; the Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world. Why? A young child can not look at the Mona Lisa and feel a sense of pride or understanding. The Mona Lisa does have an interesting story behind it, but I can assure you it is not the story that shaped a nation nor does it contain one of the most courageous individuals in said nation. ‘The Problem We All Live With’ is not nearly as celebrated as the Mona Lisa, but it has twice the meaning and three times the