Sitting in the barber shop as a young boy, a photograph sat upon the wall behind me in view through the mirror in front of me as my hair was clipped. This photograph being Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, created a sense of wonderment in me that I had never felt before. The iconic photograph shows eleven men sitting across a steel beam suspended hundreds of feet in the air. However, the men seem to be worry-less in the image, as they are exchanging laughs and conversing while eating during their break time. This photograph was taken in 1932 during the times of the Great Depression, which really does echo why the values it’s displaying are so meaningful.

Although the Great Depression served as one of the largest hardships the United States has faced in the country’s history, Americans found a way to fight through the suffering. After doing some research on the origin of Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, I became even more amazed after being informed that this was taken during a time of such poverty. Despite the fact that the economy had collapsed, thus causing many families to crumble, these men were able to come together and battle the struggles they were presented with simply by just eating and communicating with each other. It is camaraderie that is most needed during a time of poverty, and this photograph perfectly depicts how such amity was able to help each man fight through his own individual conflict.

This photograph’s true meaning stretches much further than its regards to the Great Depression. Its showing of how friendship can help overcome suffering can hold true to any situation faced in today’s age just as well. This companionship displayed in the photograph is what can really be valued when looked upon at first glance. In a sense, I can say that these eleven men have had a meaningful impact on me and how I am able to view my close relationships with others. Looking at a mere photograph on the wall made me and continually makes me realize the true importance of having friends along my side during tough times. Additionally, I’ve come to understand that even in the most difficult grief, there will always be hope. These men were able to find the positive in a time of distress, so there should never be an excuse as to why others can’t do the same.