“The Problem We All Live With” is a poignant artwork by Norman Rockwell, completed between 1963 and 1964. The oil on canvas creation reflects the tenets of Regionalism and Social Realism, spanning dimensions of 147.5 cm by 91.5 cm. Known as a genre painting, this significant piece of art is held in a private collection and is renowned for its compelling social commentary.
The artwork captures a moment of profound historical significance in the United States during the struggle for civil rights. It depicts a young African American girl walking with poise and determination, flanked by four U.S. Marshals – two visible on either side. She is in a white dress and is carrying a ruler and a notebook, indicators of her role as a student and the educational context of the scene. Her expression is composed and resolute, amidst an atmosphere of palpable tension.
The background and the edges of the painting are stark, with an off-white wall that bears the marks of racial hostility in the form of a splattered tomato and graffiti that includes a racial slur. The armbands and the golden badges of the Marshals read “U.S. Marshal,” denoting their official capacity in this scenario. One can infer from the visual cues and historical context that this artwork represents the desegregation of schools and the immense challenges faced by young African American students during the period.
The wall’s imperfections and the thrown objects speak to the violent opposition encountered by those, like the figure depicted, who braved the hostilities of desegregation. This piece serves as a powerful symbol of the struggle for racial equality, capturing the gravity of school desegregation in a way that continues to resonate. Rockwell’s work sheds light on an ugly chapter of American history, emphasizing the bravery and dignity of those who endured it.
