Some pictures behold more than just an image, but a story, a history and great meanings. These astonishing images have become better known as Icons. Out of all the images taken throughout history up to this point I have chosen one, the iconic image of the Marxist Revolutionary Che Guevara, known as “Guerrillero Heroico,” or Heroic guerilla. It is a plain headshot of the scruffy looking Argentine native wearing a hat and a zip up shirt. Originally this image was kept at home by the photographer, Alberto Korda, but eventually it was given to an Italian publisher who later released it. Who would have known that this simple picture would turn into a legacy? The answer is, the man in the image, Che himself, made the legacy. This image shows not only a male but also a man of the people, a physician, and a political genius.
This image for many around the world reminds them of equality and how Guevara was a man of the people. He traveled all around the Americas and was appalled by all of the poverty and mistreatment of the common man. He associated this poverty and mistreatment of the common man with the ideals of imperialism and monopoly capitalism. This was his driving factor against world powers and he sought out to start a world revolution. Many other famous leaders’ one being Nelson Mandela was very fond of Che and his ideals. He stated that Guevara was, “An inspiration for every human being who loves freedom." This is a very strong statement and Nelson Mandela had also been going through a revolution in South Africa. It’s amazing how this simple image gives so much hope and reminds many that they too have rights.
There are also many people who see this image and think of a murderer and communists along with Fidel Castro. They couldn’t be any more wrong, because Che was a physician! Yes that’s a fancy word for a Doctor. Initially looking at the picture you don’t really think of a doctor because of his long scruffy hair and his clothes. Che had started medical school at the University of Buenos Aires but left for a year to travel and this was his first experience of poverty. He later returned and graduated from medical school only later to leave once again. Unfortunately many people stereotype Che, but if only they knew more about his life, I am sure they would rethink their assumptions. Like they say don’t judge a book by its cover!
Scholars and many others see Che as a very intelligent man with a great understanding of politics. He wanted a world revolution to help better the common man and to take out the evil powers of the world. Guevara grew up reading many famous books and probably the one with the biggest impact on his life was written by Karl Marx. This later developed to be his main basis of beliefs and it would lead him to become known as a Marxists Revolutionary. Guevara traveled all over south and Central America and eventually ventured to Cuba. This also makes Guevara very famous because he made friends with Fidel Castro and he joined Fidel’s movement to overthrow the United States backed president of Cuba at the time. This siding with Castro produced some friends and enemies and would later contribute to his demise.
It is unbelievable how a story, a history and meanings can be derived from a single image. This plain picture of one man has transpired into one of the most famous photographs ever. When people see this image it sends a message, a message of strength and caring. Unfortunately the story of this picture ends with Che’s brutal execution. He was captured in Bolivia by U.S. trained Bolivian forces and with the help of the CIA. He was to be executed a few days later and when his executioner came, Che had this to say, “I know you have come to kill me, go ahead, you are only killing a man.” What an astonishing quote, he kept his integrity and values and accepted his fate. Hopefully when you look upon this image you will not only see a man, but a legend.
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