Perspective - an Exercise in Visual Midrash

 

Traditional Methods of Interpretation:

Peshat – Simple restatement of the obvious elements

Remez – Hints – References to similar elements

Drash – Stories that expand on the elements and themes

Sod – Traditionally secrets, but could be personal insights of the viewer

The Visual Image:

Midrash -Interpreting the Visual Image

Peshat – Its all in perspective -The picture taken at a Santa Fe, New Mexico Pride event shows a middle aged gay couple with a cross-dressing transvestite. 

Remez – The contrasting perspective was captured using a telephoto lens for the close-up. The metaphor of the lens  pulling back bringing in more of the world into view would include places and people who do not share an openness to LGBT individuals and activities. This would include biblical prohibitions and admonitions such as  Leviticus “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”

Drash – The philosopher Emil Fackenheim proposed an additional commandment : “Thou shalt not hand Hitler posthumous victories.”

This perspective applies in two aspects: Hitler’s Nazi Germany went after the homosexual community with pink stars and eliminations. Secondly, the Jewish community marginalizing  LGBT individuals.

Sod – As yet to be known.