The one interview that fully sat with the devastating effects of war was with Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Nguyen, a Vietnamese American. His story was a deep critique of US empire and the interviewer struggled to meet his piercing gaze. On the other hand, the earlier interviews in their own unique ways sought to appease both personal and national guilt, so that continuing the various war programs in the US and around the globe can continue with the demons safely in their boxes.
In light of those conversations I see that this image reflects the many ways in which folks are feeling deeply conflicted and tied up in old systems of politics, war and colonialism. For both good and ill the 2016 election cycle has exposed the unhealed wounds of the United States.
